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ORIG' 


DOCTRINE, 


CONSTITUTION  AND  DISCIPLINE, 


OF    THE 


UNITED  BRETHEEN  IN  CHRIST. 


DAYTON,  0., 

UNITED    BRETHREN   PRINTIXQ    ESTABLI6HMEMT 


1861. 


CONTENTS, 


PAGE. 

Ardent  spirits S-*^ 

Benevolent  Fund 105 

Bishops,  Election  and  duties  of 53 

Building  of  Meeting-houses 91 

Boundaries  of  Conferences 116 

AUeghanv,  118  ;  Auglaize,  122  ;  Canada, 
134  ;  California,  134  ;  Des  Moines  East, 
13:2 ;  Des  Moines  West,  133  ;  Erie,  119; 
Fox  River,  131;  Indiana,  126;  Indiana 
German,  134;  Illinois,  130;  Illinois 
Southern,  129;  Iowa,  132;  Kansas,  134; 
Miami,  123;  Michigan,  124;  Michigan 
Korth,  125;  Minnesota,  132;  Missouri, 
134;  Massachusetts,  134;  Muskingum, 
120;  Oregon,  134;  Ohio  German,  134; 
Pennsylvania,  117;  Pennsylvania  East, 
117;  Parker.-iburg,  127;  Rock  River, 
130;  Scioto.  120:  Sandusky,  121;  St  Jo- 
seph, 1  5;  Wabash  Upper,  128;  Wa- 
bash Lower,  127;  White  River,  126  ; 
Wisconsin,  131  ;  Western  Reserve,  119; 

Virginia 116 

Confession  of  Faith 14 

Constitution   17 

Constitution  of  Missionary  Society 96 

Conference,  General 36 

Annual 40 

^'  Quarterly 64 


JV  CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

Course  of  Reading . .  110 

"  "  German 113 

Classes 28 

Charters 114 

Certificates 115 

Doctrinal  Publications 82 

Elders,  Election  of 56 

Duties  of 62 

"        Ordination  of , 59 

"        Presiding 63 

Itineranc}',  Organization  of 44 

Members,  Reception,  and  duties  of 21 

Trial  of 71 

Marriage  Ceremony 107 

Origin  of  the  Church 5 

Official  Meetings 69 

Oaths 83 

Preachers,  Reception  of 30 

"           Immorality  of 75 

Duties  of 34 

"           Itinerant,  Duties  of 50 

Printing  Establishment 101 

Salaries 78 

Slavery 81 

Secret  Societies 80 

Sabbath-schools 87 

Singing 95 

Union,  Necessity  of 84 

Visiting 86 

War 82 


ORIGIN 

OF   THE 

UNITED  BRETHREN  IN  CHRIST. 


Ix  the  eighteenth  century  it  pleased 
the  Lord  our  Grod  to  awaken  persons 
in  different  parts  of  the  world,  who 
should  raise  up  the  Christian  religion 
from  its  fallen  stat«,  and  preach  the 
gospel  of  Christ  crucified  in  its  purity. 

About  the  middle  of  the  said  cen- 
tury, the  Lord,  in  mercy,  remembered 
the  Germans  in  America,  who,  living 
scattered  in  this  extensive  country,  had 
but  seldom  an  opportunity  to  hear  the 
gospel  of  a  crucified  Savior  preached 
to  them  in  their  native  language. 

Among  others,  he  raised  up  William 
Otterbein  and  Martin  Boehm,  in  the 

5 


6  UNITED    BRETHREN 

Etate  of  Pennsylvania,  and  George  A. 
Geeting  in  the  state  of  Maryland — 
armed  them  with  spirit,  grace,  and 
strength,  to  labor  in  his  neglected  vine- 
yard, and  to  call,  among  the  Germans  in 
America,  sinners  to  repentance.  These 
men  obeyed  the  call  of  their  Lord  and 
Master.  Their  labors  were  blest,  and 
they  established  in  many  places  excel- 
lent societies,  and  led  many  precious 
souls  to  Jesus  Christ.  Their  sphere  of 
action  spread  more  and  more,  so  that 
they  found  it  necessary  to  look  about  for 
more  fellow-laborers  to  engage  in  the 
vineyard  of  the  Lord,  for  the  harvest 
was  great  and  the  laborers  but  few. 
The  Lord  called  others,  who  were  will- 
ing to  devote  their  strength  to  his  serv- 
ice; such,  then,  were  accepted  by  one 
or  other  of  the  preachers  as  fellow-la- 
borers. 

The  number  of  members  in  the  So- 
ciety in  different  parts  of  the  country, 


DISCIPLINE.  7 

continued  to  increase  from  time  to  time ; 
and  the  gracious  work  of  reformation 
spread  through  the  states  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, Maryland  and  Virginia.  Several 
great  meetings  were  appointed  and  held 
annually;  when  on  such  occasions  Ot- 
TERBEIN  would  hold  particular  conver- 
sations with  the  preachers  then  present, 
represent  to  them  the  importance  of  the 
ministry,  and  the  necessity  of  their  ut- 
most endeavors  to  save  souls.  At  one 
of  these  meetings,  it  was  resolved  to 
hold  a  conference  with  all  the  preach- 
ers, in  order  to  take  into  consideration 
how,  and  in  what  manner,  they  might 
be  most  useful. 

The  first  Conference  was  held  in  the 
City   of  Baltimore,   Maryland,  in    the 
year  of  our  Lord,  1789.     The  follow- 
ing preachers  were  present,  viz : 
"Wm.  Otterbeix,  Adam  Lehman, 

Maetix  Boehm,  John  Ernst, 

Geo.  a.  Geeting,        Henry  Weidneb, 
Chbistian  Newcomer. 


8  UNITED    BRETHREN 

The  second  conference  was  held  in 
Paradise  township,  York  county,  Penn- 
sylvania, at  the  house  of  Bro.  Spang- 
LER,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1791. 
The  following  preachers  were  present, 
viz: 

"Wm.  Otterbein,         John  Ebxst, 
Martin  Boehm,  J.  G.  Pfrimmer, 

Geo.  a.  Geetixg,       John  Xeidig, 
Ch'n.  I^ewcomer,      Benedict  Sanders, 
Adam  Lehman. 
After  mature  deliberation  how  they 
might  labor  most  usefully  in  the  vine- 
yard of  the  Lord,  they  again  appointed 
such  as  fellow-laborers  whom  they  had 
cause  to  believe  had  experienced  true 
religion  in  their  souls. 

In  the  meantime,  the  number  of 
members  continued  to  increase,  and  the 
preachers  were  obliged  to  appoint  aa 
annual  conference,  in  order  to  unite 
themselves  more  closely,  and  to  labor 
more  successfully  in  the  vineyard  of 
the  Lord;  for  some  had  been  Presby- 


DISCIPLINE.  9 

terians  or  German  Reformed;  some 
Lutherans,  and  others  Mennonites. 
They  accordingly  appointed  a  confer- 
ence to  be  held  on  the  25th  of  Septem- 
ber, 1800,  in  Frederick  county,  Mary- 
land, at  the  house  of  Bro.  Frederick 
Kemp.  The  following  preachers  were 
present,  viz  : 

Wm.  Otteubkix,  Christian  Krum, 

Martix  Boehm,  Henry  Krum, 

Geo.  a.  Geeting,        John  Hersuey, 
Ch'n  Newcomer,          Jacob  Geisinger, 
Adam  Lehman,  Henry  Boehm, 

Abraham  Tracksel,   Diet'k  Aurand, 
J.  G.  Pfrimmer. 

There  they  united  themselves  into  a 
society  which  bears  the  name,  "  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,''  and  elected 
Wm.  Otterbein  and  Martin  Boehm, 
as  superintendents  or  bishops,  and 
agreed  that  each  of  them  should  be  at 
liberty  as  to  the  mode  and  manner  of 
baptism,  to  perform  it  according  to  his 
own  convictions. 


10  UNITED    BRETHREN 

From  this  time,  the  society  increas- 
ing still  more  and  more,  preachers  were 
appointed  to  travel  regularly,  inasmuch 
as  the  number  of  preaching  places 
could  not  otherwise  be  attended  to ; 
and  the  work  spread  itself  into  the 
states  of  Ohio  and  Kentucky.  It  then 
became  necessary  to  appoint  a  confer- 
ence in  the  state  of  Ohio,  because  it 
was  conceived  too  laborious  for  the 
preachers  who  labored  in  those  states 
to  travel  annually  such  a  great  distance 
to  conference. 

In  the  meantime,  brothers  BoEHM 
and  Geeting  died,  and  brother  Otter- 
BEIN  desired  that  another  bishop  should 
be  elected  (because  infirmity  and  old 
age  would  not  permit  him  to  superin- 
tend any  longer),  who  should  take 
charge  of  the  society,  and  preserve  dis- 
cipline and  order.  It  was  resolved  at  a 
former  conference,  that  whenever  one 
of  the  bishops  died  another  should  be 


DISCIPLINE.  11 

elected  in  his  place :  accordingly  brother 
Christian  Newcomer  was  elected 
Bishop,  to  take  charge  of,  and  superin- 
tend the  concerns  of  the  society. 

The  want  of  a  DkcipUnc  in  the  So- 
ciety had  long  been  deeply  felt,  and 
partial  attempts  having  been  made  at 
different  times,  it  was  resolved  at  the 
conference  held  in  the  state  of  Ohio, 
that  a  general  conference  should  be 
hel-d  in  order  to  accomplish  the  same, 
in  a  manner  not  derogatory  to  the  Word 
of  God.  The  members  of  this  confer- 
ence were  to  be  elected  from  among  the 
preachers  in  the  different  parts  of  the 
country,  by  a  vote  of  the  Society  in 
general.  The  following  brethren  were 
duly  elected,  viz : 

Ch'n  N'ewcomer,        Daniel  Troyer, 
Abr'm  Heistaxd,        Geo.  Bexedum, 
Andrew  Zeller,        Abr'm  Tracksel, 
Christian  Berger,      Henry  G.  Spayth, 
Abraham  Myer,        I.  Nighswanger, 
John  Schneider,        Christian  Erdm, 
Henry  Kumler,         Jacob  Bowlus. 


12  UNITED    BRETHREN 

The  conference  convened  on  the  6th 
of  June,  1815,  near  Mount  Pleasant, 
Westmoreland  county,  Pennsylvania. 
After  mature  deliberation,  they  pre- 
sented to  their  brethren  a  discipline, 
containing  the  doctrine  and  rules  of  the 
Church,  desiring  that  they,  together 
with  the  Word  of  God,  should  be  strict- 
ly observed. 

God  is  a  God  of  order,  but  where 
there  is  no  order  nor  church  discipline, 
the  spirit  of  love  and  charity  will  be 
lost. 

Therefore,  brethren,  we  beseech  you 
to  follow  the  example  of  our  Lord ;  as 
it  is  written,  "Be  kindly  affectioned 
one  to  another,  with  brotherly  love;  in 
honor  preferring  one  another.  Let  the 
mind  be  in  you  which  was  in  Christ, 
who  took  upon  him  the  form  of  a  serv- 
ant, humbled  himself,  and  became 
obedient  unto  death,  even  the  death  of 
the  cross,"  that  by  his  grace  we  may 


DISCIPLINE,  13 

submit  ourselves  one  to  another  in  the 
fear  of  God.  He  who  will  not  submit 
is  in  want  of  humble  love.  Jesus  said, 
*'  Whosoever  will  be  chief  among  you, 
let  hini  be  your  servant.  By  this  shall 
all  men  know  that  ye  are  my  disciples, 
if  ye  have  love  one  to  another;  and 
whoso  loveth  not  his  brother  abideth  in 
death."  Let  us  walk  in  newness  of 
life,  that  the  prayer  of  our  Lord  may 
be  answered  in  us:  that  we  may  be  one 
in  him,  and  that  he  may  give  us  the 
glory  which  he  gave  to  his  disciples, 
that  we  may  be  one  even  as  He  and  the 
Father  are  one.  Therefore,  beloved 
brethren,  let  us  strive  to  be  like-mind- 
ed, having  the  same  love,  being  of  one 
accord,  of  one  mind.  Let  no  one 
speak  or  think  evil  of  his  brother,  but 
pray  God  that  he  may  grant  us  His 
Spirit  and  an  earnest  desire  to  lead  a 
truly  devoted  life,  to  the  honor  and 
glory  of  His  holy  name.     Amen. 


14  UNITED   BRETHREN 

SECTION   I. 
CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 

In  tlie  name  of  God  we  declare  and 
confess  before  all  men,  that  we  believe 
in  tbe  only  true  God,  tlie  Father,  the 
Son  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  that  these 
three  are  one:  the  Father  in  the  Son, 
the  Son  in  the  Father,  and  the  Holy 
Ghost  equal  in  essence  or  being  with 
both;  that  this  triune  God  created  the 
heavens  and  the  earth,  and  all  that  in 
them  is,  visible  as  well  as  invisible, 
and  furthermore  sustains,  governs,  pro- 
tects, and  supports  the  same. 

We  believe  in  Jesus  Christ;  that 
He  is  very  God  and  man;  that  he  be- 
came incarnate  by  the  power  of  the 
Holy  Ghost  in  the  virgin  Mary,  and 
was  born  of  her ;  that  he  is  the  Savior 
and  Mediator  of  the  whole  human  race, 


DISCIPLINE.  15. 

if  tliey  with  full  faith  in  him  accept  the 
grace  proflfered  in  Jesus;  that  this  Je- 
sus suffered  and  died  on  the  cross  for 
us,  was  buried,  arose  again  on  the  third 
day,  ascended  into  heaven,  and  sitteth 
on  the  right  hand  of  God,  to  intercede 
for  us;  and  that  he  shall  come  again  at 
the  last  day,  to  judge  the  quick  and 
the  dead. 

We  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost ;  that 
he  is  equal  in  being  with  the  Father 
and  the  Son,  and  that  he  comforts  the 
faithful,  and  guides  them  into  all  truth. 

We  believe  in  a  holy  Christian 
church,  the  communion  of  saints,  the 
resurrection  of  the  body,  and  life  ever- 
lasting. 

We  believe  that  the  Holy  Bible,  Old 
and  New  Testament,  is  the  word  of 
God ;  that  it  contains  the  only  true  way 
to  our  salvation ;  that  every  true  Chris- 
tian is  bound  to  acknowledge  and  re- 
ceive it  with  the  influence  of  the  Spirit 


16  UNITED   BRETHREN 

of  God,  as  tlie  only  rule  and  guide;  and 
that  witho.ut  faith  in  Jesus  Christ,  true 
repentance,  forgivene-ss  of  sins,  and 
following  after  Christ,  no  one  can  be  a 
true  Christian. 

We  also  believe  that  what  is  con- 
tained in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  to  wit : 
the  fall  in  Adam  and  redemption 
through  Jesus  Christ,  shall  be  preached 
throughout  the  world. 

We  believe  that  the  ordinances,  viz  : 
baptism  and  the  remembrance  of  the 
sufferings  and  death  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  are  to  be  in  use,  and  practiced 
by  all  Christian  societies;  and  that  it  is 
incumbent  on  all  the  children  of  God 
particularly  to  practice  them ;  but  the 
manner  in  which  ought  always  to  be 
left  to  the  judgment  and  understanding 
of  every  individual.  Also  the  example 
of  washing  feet  is  left  to  the  judgment 
of  every  one,  to  practice  or  not :  but  it 
is  not  becoming  for  any  of  our  preach- 


DISCIPLINE.  17 

ers  or  members  to  traduce  any  of  their 
brethren  whose  judgment  and  under- 
standing in  these  respects  is  different 
from  their  own,  either  in  public  or  pri- 
vate. Whosoever  shall  make  himself 
guilty  in  this  respect,  shall  be  consid- 
ered a  traducer  of  his  brethren,  and 
shall  be  answerable  for  the  same. 

SECTION   II. 

CONSTITUTION. 
We,  the  members  of  the  Church  of 
the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  in 
the  name  of  God,  do,  for  the  perfecting 
of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of  the  min- 
istry, for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of 
Christ,  as  well  as  to  produce  and  secure 
a  uniform  mode  of  action,  in  faith  and 
practice,  also  to  define  the  powers  and 
the  business  of  quarterly,  annual  and 
general  conferences,  as  recognized  by 
this  Church,  ordain  the  following  arti- 
cles of  Constitution. 
2 


18  UNITED   BRETHREN 

ARTICLE    I. 

Section  1.  All  ecclesiastical  power 
herein  granted,  to  make  or  repeal  any 
rule  of  discipline,  is  vested  in  a  gen- 
eral conference,  which  shall  consist  of 
elders,  elected  by  the  members  in  every 
conference  district  throughout  the  So- 
ciety ;  provided,  however,  such  ciders 
shall  have  stood  in  that  capacity  three 
years,  in  the  conference  district  to 
which  they  belong. 

Sec.  2.  General  conference  is  to  be 
held  every  four  years;  the  bishops  to 
be  considered  members  and  presiding 
ofl&cers. 

Sec.    3.     Each    annual    conference 
shall  place  before  the  Society  the  names 
of  all  the    elders    eligible  to  member- 
ship in  the  general  conference. 
ARTICLE   n. 

Section  1.    The  general  conference 
shall  define  the  boundaries  of  the  an 
nual  conferences. 


nrsciPLiNE.  19 

Sec.  2.  The  general  conference 
shall,  at  every  session,  elect  bishops 
from  amonir  the  elders  throu2;hout  the 
Church,  who  have  stood  six  years  in 
that  capacity. 

Sec.  3.  The  business  of  each  an- 
nual conference  shall  be  done  strictly 
according  to  Discipline ;  and  any  an- 
nual conference  acting  contrary  there- 
unto, shall,  by  impeachment,  be  tried 
by  the  General  Conference. 

Sec.  4.  No  rule  or  ordinance  shall 
at  any  time  be  passed,  to  change  or  do 
away  the  Confession  of  Faith  as  it  now 
stands,  nor  to  destroy  the  itinerant 
plan. 

Sec.  5.  There  shall  no  rule  be 
adopted  that  will  infringe  upon  the 
rights  of  any  as  it  relates  to  the  mode 
of  baptism,  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's 
supper,  or  the  washing  of  feet. 

Sec.  6.    There  shall  be  no  rule  made 


20  UNITED   BRETHREN 

that  will  deprive  local  preachers  of  their 
votes  in  the  annual  conferences  to 
which  they  severally  belong. 

Sec.  7.  There  shall  be  no  connec- 
tion with  secret  combinations,  nor  shall 
involuntary  servitude  be  tolerated  in 
any  way. 

Sec.  8.  The  right  of  appeal  shall  be 
.11  violate. 

ARTICLE    III. 

The  right,  title,  interest,  and  claim 
of  all  property,  whether  consisting  in 
lots  of  ground,  meeting-houses,  lega- 
cies, bequests  or  donations  of  any  kind, 
obtained  by  purchase  or  otherwise,  by 
any  person  or  persons,  for  the  use, 
benefit,  and  behoof  of  the  church  of 
the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  is  here- 
by fully  recognized  and  held  to  be  the 
property  of  the  Church  aforesaid. 


DISCIPLINE.  21 

ARTICLE   IV. 

There  shall  be  no  alteration  of  the 
foregoing  Constitution,  unless  by  re- 
quest of  two-thirds  of  the  whole  So- 
ciety. 

SECTION    III. 

RECEPTIOX    AXD  DUTIES  OF  MEM- 
BERS. 

Ques.  How  shall  members  be  taken 
into  our  Society? 

Ans.  When  at  any  meeting  a  per- 
son makes  known  a  design  to  become  a 
member  of  our  Society,  then  the  preach- 
er present  shall  ask  such  person  the 
following  question  : 

"  Have  you  experienced  the  pardon 
of  your  sins,  and  are  you  determined 
by  the  grace  of  God  to  save  your 
Boul?" 

1.  If  the  person  answer  the  question 
in  the  afl5rmative,  and  no  objections  be 


2i 


UNITED    BRETHREN 


made  bj  any  member  on  account  of  im- 
moral conduct,  then  tbe  preacher  shall 
give  his  right  hand  to  such  person  as  a 
member  of  our  Society,  and  record  the 
name  on  the  church  or  class-book ;  but 
so  long  as  any  person  can  not  answer 
the  above  question  in  the  affirmative, 
such  person  shall  not  be  considered  in 
full  membership,  and  shall  have  no  vote 
in  the  Society,  but  shall  be  recognized 
as  a  seeker,  under  the  watch-care  of  the 
Church. 

2.  If  any  person  thus  received  under 
the  watch-care  of  the  church,  shall 
cease  to  manifest  a  desire  to  seek  the 
Lord,  the  preacher  in  charge,  by  the 
consent  of  the  class,  can,  at  any  time, 
publicly  drop  the  name  of  such  seeker. 

3.  Every  member  of  this  society 
shall  acknowledge  and  confess  that  he 
believes  the  Bible  to  be,  and  to  contain 
the  holy  Word  of  God;  that  he  will 
henceforth  strive  with  all  his  heart,  to 


DISCIPUNE.  23 

seek  his  eternal  welfare  in  Christ  Jesus, 
and  work  out  his  salvation  with  fear 
and  trembling,  to  the  end  that  he  may 
be  enabled  to  flee  from  the  icrath  to 
come. 

4.  Every  member  shall  endeavor  to 
lead  a  good  life;  be  diligent  in  prayer, 
particularly  in  private,  and,  for  his  own 
edification,  attend,  when  practicable, 
all  of  our  meetings  for  worship. 

5.  Heads  of  families  should  never 
omit  to  pray  with  their  families,  morn- 
ings and  evenings,  and  set  them  a  good 
example  in  all  the  Christian  virtues. 

6.  Every  one  should  strive  to  walk 
as  in  the  presence  of  God;  also,  accus- 
tom himself  to  a  close  communion  with 
God  in  all  his  employments,  and  never 
speak  evil  of  his  fellow  beings,  but 
practice  love  toward  friend  and  foe;  do 
good  to  the  poor,  and  endeavor  to  be  a 
follower  of  Jesus  Christ  indeed. 


24  UNITED   BRETHREN 

7.  Every  one  shall  keep  the  Sabbath 
day  holy,  as  required  in  the  word  of 
God;  neither  buy  nor  sell,  but  spend 
the  same  in  exercises  of  devotion,  in 
reading  and  hearing  the  word  of  God, 
and  with  singing  spiritual  hymns  to  the 
honor  and  glory  of  God. 

8. .  Tt  is  the  duty  of  every  member  to 
lead  a  quiet,  peaceable,  and  godly  life 
among  men,  as  it  becomes  a  Christian 
to  live  in  peace,  and  be  subject  to  the 
higher  or  ruling  powers,  as  the  word  of 
God  requires. 

9.  It  is  the  duty  of  all  members  of 
the  church  to  pay  toward  the  support 
of  the  itinerant  ministry,  quarterly,  or 
oftener  if  need  be,  in  proportion  to 
their  ability,  as  God  has  prospered 
them;  for  the  Lord  hath  ordained  that 
they  who  preach  the  Gospel  shall  live 
by  the  Gospel:  1st  Cor.  9th  chap.,  14th 
verse.     1st  Tim.  5,  18. 

10.  Fach    member    of  our    Society 


PISCIl'MNE.  25 

should  willingly  and  freely  contribute 
quarterly,  if  need  be,  as  God  has  pros- 
pered him  or  her  (1st  Cor.  16:2),  to  the 
support  of  the  helpless  poor. 

11.  When  it  is  known  by  any  of  our 
class -leaders  that  there  are  poor  mem- 
bers among  them,  who  by  sickness,  ac- 
cident, or  other  unavoidable  circum- 
stances, have  been  brought  to  want,  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  the  leader  in 
charge  to  go,  or  appoint  one  to  wait 
upon  the  class,  to  ask  alms,  money, 
clothing,  or  produce,  as  the  circum- 
stances may  require;  and  should  any 
one  class  be  too  poor  to  alleviate  its 
poor,  it  shall  then  be  made  known  to 
the  preacher  in  charge,  whose  duty  it 
shall  be  to  inform  the  different  classes 
on  his  circuit;  and  if  it  should  so  hap- 
pen that  any  one  circuit  should  be  in- 
sufficient to  meet  the  wants  of  its  poor, 
it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  presiding 
elder  to  present  the  matter  on  the  dif- 


26  UNITED   BRETHREN 

ferent  circuits  at  their  quarterly  con- 
ferences, so  that  the  unavoidably  poor 
of  our  church  may  be  considered  and 
provided  for.  1  John,  iii:  17.  Ps. 
xU:  1,  2. 

The  foregoing  rules  are  drawn  up  for 
the  better  regulation  of  our  Society  ; 
and  we  believe  they  are  founded  in  the 
word  of  God,  and  incumbent  on  all  who 
are  members  of  our  church  to  observe. 
Should  any  violate  or  habitually  neglect 
these  rules,  they  shall  be,  by  their  re- 
spective class-leaders,  admonished  to 
reformation;  and  should  they  not  reform, 
they  shall  be  suspended  or  expelled,  as 
the  case  may  require. 

Inasmuch  as  the  Lord  has  command- 
ed us  not  to  be  conformed  to  this  world 
(Rom.  12:  2),  to  lay  apart  all  filthi- 
ness,  and  superfluity  of  naughtiness 
(James  1:  21),  and  as  the  principles 
of  the  Christian  religion,  as  taught 
both  by  the  precepts  and  example  of 


DISCIPLINE.  27 

the  meek  and  adorable  Savior,  are  in 
strict  and  perfect  accordance  with  these 
commandments: 

We  therefore  humbly]  beseech  and 
admonish  the  members  of  our  church, 
both  male  and  female,  to  observe  these 
divine  precepts,  especially  in  the  wear- 
ing of  gold  and  jewels,  which  is  for- 
bidden expressly  in  the  word  of  God, 
and  also  in  the  wearing  of  artificials, 
and  buying,  and  making,  and  wearing 
of  apparel,  and  the  cutting  and  wear- 
ing of  the  hair — most  especially  our 
ministers  and  their  families^  they  being 
ensamples  to  the  flock. 

It  is  the  advice  of  the  general  con- 
ference, that  all  districts,  stations,  cir- 
cuits, and  missions,  cheerfully  receive 
the  preachers  appointed  by  the  station - 
inge  ommittcc  of  the  respective  annuaJ 
conferences. 


28  UNITED    BRETHREN 

SECTION    IV. 
CLASSES. 

A  class  sliall  consist  of  three  or  more 
members,  who  shall  annually  elect  one 
member  from  their  own  or  some  other 
class,  who  shall  be  called  their  leader. 

2.  Classes  shall  be  divided,  or  new 
ones  formed,  by  a  committee  consisting 
of  the  preacher  in  charge,  and  one  or 
more  brethren,  elected  by  the  church 
or  class  at  any  place  where  it  may  be 
deemed  necessary. 

Ques.    What  is  the  duty  of  a  leader? 

Ans.  1.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  meet 
his  class,  in  class  or  prayer-meeting,  at 
least  once  a  week,  to  speak  to  them 
concerning  the  spiritual  welfare  of  their 
souls,  and  exhort  them  to  unity  and 
love.  He  shall  extend  the  freedom  of 
our  prayer  and   class-meetings  to  all 


DISCIPLINE.  29 

sincere  and  well-disposed  persons  who 
may  desire  to  attend  them. 

2.  Every  class  shall  annually  elect 
(or  if  the  class  prefer  it,  the  preacher 
may  appoint)  one  who  shall  be  called 
class-steward. 

Ques.  What  is  the  duty  of  a  steward? 

Ans.  1.  He  shall  collect  quarterly 
contributions,  or  oftener  than  quarterly, 
if  needed,  for  the  support  of  the  travel- 
ing preachers;  keep  an  accurate  ac- 
count thereof,  and  remit  the  same  to 
each  quarterly  conference,  or  official 
meeting. 

2.  For  the  faithful  discharge  of  his 
duties,  as  steward  of  his  class,  he  shall 
be  accountable  to  the  quarterly  con- 
ference, which  shall  have  power  to  dis- 
miss him  for  official  delinquency. 

3.  It  shall  also  be  his  duty  to  pro- 
vide the  elements  for  Sacrament. 

Qnes.  What  are  the  duties  of  ex- 
horters  ? 


30  UNITED   BRETHREN 

Ans.  To  make  appointments  wher- 
ever  acceptable  to  the  people;  read  por- 
tions of  sacred  Scripture,  exhorting 
therefrom;  exhorting  saints,  that  they 
■with  purpose  of  heart  should  cleave  to 
the  Lordj  and  sinners  to  flee  from  the 
wrath  to  come;  and  this  they  shall  do 
as  often  as  practicable. 

Any  person  wishing  to  obtain  license 
to  exhort  or  preach  must  obtain  from 
the  class  of  which  he  is  a  member,  by 
a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members,  a 
recommendation  in  writing,  signed  by 
the  leader,  to  the  quarterly  conference 
of  the  circuit,  station,  or  mission  to 
which  he  belongs. 

SECTION    V. 

RECEPTION  OF  PREACHERS. 

Ques,  How  are  preachers  received  ? 
Ans.    Every   person    proposed  as  a 
preacher,    shall   be   examined   by  the 


DISCIPLINE.  31 

conference,  or  a  select  committee;  and 
the  following  questions  shall  be  put  to 
him,  viz: 

1.  Do  you  believe  the  Bible  to  be 
the  word  of  God,  and  that  therein  is 
contained  the  only  true  way  to  our  sal- 
vation ? 

2.  What  foundation  have  you  for  that 
belief? 

3.  Have  you  known  God  in  Christ 
Jesus  to  be  a  sin-pardoning  God? 

■i.  Have  you  now  peace  with  God ; 
and  is  the  love  of  God  shed  abroad  in 
your  heart  by  the  Holy  Spirit? 

5.  Do  you  follow  after  holiness  ? 

6.  What  is  your  motive  for  desiring 
permission  to  preach  the  gospel  ? 

7.  Do  you  believe  that  man,  abstract 
of  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
is  fallen  from  original  righteousness, 
and  is  not  only  entirely  destitute  of 
holiness,  but  is  inclined  to  evil,  and 
only   evil,  and  that  continually;  and 


32  UNITED    BRETHREN 

that  except  a  man  be  born  again  he 
can  not  see  the  kingdom  of  God  ? 

8.  What  is  your  knowledge  of  faith, 
of  repentance,  justification,  sanctifica- 
tion,  and  of  redemption? 

9.  Does  your  own  salvation,  and  the 
salvation  of  your  fellow  mortals,  lie 
nearer  to  your  heart  than  all  other 
things  in  the  world? 

10.  Will  you  subject  yourself  to  the 
counsel  of  your  brethren? 

11.  Are  you  satisfied  with  our  church 
government  ? 

12.  Are  you  willing,  as  much  as  is  in 
your  power,  to  assist  in  upholding  the 
itinerant  plan? 

None  can  be  admitted  without  hav- 
ing a  recommendation  from  the  quar- 
terly conference,  and  then  only  to  be 
received  on  probation ;  but  if  confer- 
ence should,  on  examination,  find  that 
his  abilities  are  insufficient  to  preach 
the  gospel,  it  may  refer  him  back  to  the 


DISCIPLINE.  33- 

quarterly  conference,  for  further  in- 
struction. 

When  a  preacher  or  elder  is  expelled 
from  one  annual  conference,  he  shall 
not  be  received  into  another,  without 
the  consent  of  the  conference  from 
which  ho  was  expelled. 

A  preacher  removing  from  one  con- 
ference to  another  shall,  when  he  ap- 
plies to  another  for^idmission,  produce 
a  transfer  from  the '<J^nference  to  which 
he  formerly  belonged,  signed  by  the 
presiding  officer,  or  published  in  the 
minutes  of  the  conference  from  which 
he  is  transferred. 

A  preacher  or  elder  who  receives  a 
transfer,  is  required  to  present  said 
transfer  to  another  conference,  or  re- 
turn it  to  the  conference  by  which  it 
was  issued  within  eighteen  months 
after  its  date.  Otherwise  the  transfer 
shall  be  null  and  void,  and  the  name 
3 


34  UNITED    BRETHREN 

of  the   preacher  holding   it  be  erased 
from  the  conference  record. 

A  preacher  or  elder  receiving  a  trans- 
fer shall  be  accountable  to  the  quarter- 

>\j  conference  within  whose  territorial 
^ .     .     .    . 
jurisdiction  he  may  reside,  for  his  moral 

and  official  character. 

SECTION    YI. 
PREACHERS'  DUTIES. 

Ques.  What  are  tne  duties  of  preach- 
ers? 

Ans.  To  preach  Christ  crucified 
whenever  they  can  get  hearers  ;  to  form 
classes ;  to  converse  with  the  members 
on  the  spiritual  condition  of  their  souls; 
to  administer  relief;  to  strengthen  and 
direct  those  that  are  afflicted  and  labor 
under  temptations;  to  animate  the  in- 
dolent ;  to  endeavor  as  much  as  possi- 
ble to  edify  and  instruct  all  in  faith,  in 
grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  Jesus 
Christ;  to  visit  the  sick  on  all  occasions; 


DISCIPLINE.  35 

to  strive  to  enforce  and  confirm  the  doc- 
trine they  deliver  by  a  well-ordered  and 
exemplary  life. 

Ques.  What  are  the  directions  given 
to  our  preachers? 

Ans.  1.  Be  diligent.  Never  trifle 
away  your  time.  Always  be  serious. 
Let  your  motto  be,  "  Holiness  unto 
THE  Lord  !"  Avoid  all  lightness  and 
jesting ;  converse  sparingly  ;  conduct 
yourself  prudently  with  women ;  and 
demean  yourself  in  all  respects  as  a  true 
Christian. 

Be  at  all  times  averse  to  crediting 
evil  reports ;  believe  evil  of  no  one 
without  good  evidence.  Put  the  best 
construction  on  every  thing. 

2.  Speak  evil  of  no  one.  Whatever 
may  be  your  thoughts,  keep  them  with- 
in your  own  breast  until  you  can  tell 
the  person  concerned  what  you  think 
wrong  in  his  conduct. 

3.  Let  your  business  be  to  save  as 


86  UNITED    BRETHREN 

many  souls  as  possible.  To  this  em- 
ployment give  yourself  up  wholly. 
Visit  those  who  need  it;  and  act  in 
all  things,  not  according  to  your  owa 
wills,  but  as  sons  in  the  gospel;  for  as 
such  it  becomes  your  duty  to  employ 
your  time  in  the  manner  prescribed,  in 
preaching,  and  visiting  from  house  to 
house ;  in  instruction  and  prayer,  and 
in  meditating  on  the  word  of  God. 
With  these  be  occupied  until  our  Lord 
Cometh. 

No  preacher  shall  arbitrarily  form  a 
mission  or  circuit  within  the  embrace 
of  any  circuit  or  presiding  elder's  dis- 
trict. 

SECTION    VII. 

GENERAL  CONFERENCE. 

Ques.  1.  Who  are  the  members  of  the 
General  Coiifereuee  ?     !^^   (^See   Con- 


DISCIPLINE.  3< 

Ques.  2.  How  are  they  to  be  elected  ? 

Ajis.  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each 
annual  conference  to  appuiut  a  com- 
mittee of  three,  to  receive  and  count 
the  votes,  and  immediately  apprise 
those  who  may  have  been  elected  ;  also 
to  furnish  each  preacher  in  charge  with 
a  list  of  the  names  of  all  the  elders 
eligible. 

2.  The  preacher  in  charge  shall  fur- 
nish each  class- leader,  or  steward,  in 
his  charge  with  a  copy  of  the  above- 
named  list,  at  least  ten  months  before 
the  sitting  of  general  conference,  and 
the  election  shall  be  held  invariably 
within  the  first  ten  days  of  November, 
next  preceding  the  sitting  of  the  said 
conference. 

4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  class- 
leader  or  steward,  to  appoint  a  meeting 
of  the  members  of  his  class,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  electing,  by  ballot  or  otherwise, 
their  delegates    to  represent   them  ia 


38  UNITED    BRETHREN 

general  conference.  Should  any  be 
incapacitated  by  affliction  or  age  to  at- 
tend such  meetings,  they  may  send 
their  ballots,  containing  the  names  of 
the  candidates  of  their  choice,  and  their 
own  names  signed  on  the  back  of  their 
ballots. 

4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  class- 
leader  or  steward,  to  sign,  enclose,  and 
seal  each  bill  of  election,  and  keep  a 
correct  copy  of  the  same,  stating  what 
class  and  circuit,  and  immediately  trans- 
mit it  (prepaid)  to  the  committee  ap- 
pointed by  the  annual  conference. 

5.  Said  committee  shall  make  out  a 
list  of  all  the  persons  voted  for,  and  of 
the  number  of  votes  for  each.  And 
should  any  two  or  more  of  the  candi- 
dates have  an  equal  number  of  votes, 
the  committee  shall  determine,  by  lot, 
which  of  them  is  elected.  They  shall 
also  forward  by  the  first  of  January, 
the  names  of  those  elected,  to  the  Con- 


DISCIPLINE.  39 

ference  Printing  Establishment,  for  pub- 
lication ;  and  if  one  or  more  of  those 
elected  should  be  prevented,  by  death, 
sickness,  or  otherwise,  from  attending, 
it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  tellers  to 
notify  the  next  highest  on  the  bill  to 
take  his  place,  and  so  descend,  if  need 
be,  to  the  last  candidate.  xVU  bills  of 
election  received  by  the  tellers  after  the 
first  of  January,  shall  not  be  counted. 

Ques.  3.  What  shall  be  the  number 
of  delegates  to  the  general  conference? 

Ans.  Three  from  each  annual  con- 
ference district. 

Ques.  4.  How  shall  the  expenses  of 
the  delegates  to  the  general  confer- 
ence be  defrayed  ? 

Ana.  The  preacher  in  charge  shall 
lift  a  collection  on  his  first  round  after 
the  election,  at  each  class,  and  imme- 
diately transmit  the  money  thus  col- 
lected to  the  tellers,  whose  duty  it  shall 
be  to  convey  it  to  the  delegates  elected. 


40  UNITED    BRETHREN 

Should  any  preacher  neglect  his  duty, 
he  shall  be  accountable  therefor  to  the 
next  annual  conference. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  general 
conference  to  examine  the  adminis- 
tration of  each  annual  conference, 
whether  it  has  strictly  observed  the 
rules  and  preserved  the  moral  and 
doctrinal  principles  of  the  discipline  in 
all  its  transactions. 

In  the  election  of  all  officers  of  the 
general  conference,  a  majority  of  all 
the  votes  shall  be  necessary  to  a 
choice. 

SECTION    VIII. 
ANNUAL  CONFERENCE. 

Ques.  1.  Who  are  the  members  of 
this  conference? 

Arts.  All  the  elders  and  licentiate 
preachers  who  have  been  duly  received 
by  the  conference. 


DISCIPLINE.  41 

Ques.  2.  In  what  manner  are  the 
transactions  of  a  conference  to  be  con- 
ducted? 

Ans.  1.  A  portion  of  Scripture  shall 
be  read;  also  singing  and  prayer  each 
day,  at  the  opening  and  at  the  closing 
of  conference. 

2.  The  conference  shall  elect  two 
Secretaries — one  German  and  one  En- 
glish, wherever  it  may  be  necessary. 
And  when  only  one  bishop  is  present, 
the  conference  shall  elect  a  chairman 
by  ballot  to  act  in  conjunction  with  the 
bishop.  If  no  bishop  should  be  pres- 
ent, it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  annual 
conference  to  elect  a  bishop  i^ro  ieni., 
whose  official  acts  shall  be  valid. 

3.  The  preachers  shall  be  examined 
respecting  their  deportment  toward 
their  fellow-beings,  whether  their  con- 
duct in  life  be  blameless,  and  whether 
they  employ  as  much  time  as  practica- 
ble to  promote    the    kingdom  of  God 


42  UNITED    BRETHREN 

(according  to  Titus,  1st  chap.,  7th  to  9th 
verse,  and  2nd  Tim.,  2nd  chap.,  15th 
verse)  ;  and  shall  be  admonished  or  ad- 
vised as  the  case  may  require.  But 
should  all  admonition  or  advice  fail  in 
any  case,  then  the  name  of  the  delin- 
quent person  shall  be  erased  from  the 
minutes  of  the  conference.' 

4.  Should  any  member  of  the  an- 
nual conference  absent  himself  from 
the  session  of  conference  three  years  in 
succession,  without  giving  a  satisfacto- 
ry reason  for  so  doing,  his  name  may 
be  erased  from  the  minutes  of  the  con- 
ference. 

5.  No  preacher  shall  be  permitted  to 
electioneer  favorably  to  his  own  elec- 
tion to  any  office  or  delegation  in  the 
church;  and  should  any  one  be  found  do- 
ing so,  he  shall  be  accountable  to  the 
next  annual  conference  of  which  he  is  a 
member,  to  be  dealt  with  according  to 
the  judgment  of  said  conference. 


DISCIPLINE.  43 

The  following  questions  shall  then 
be  asked  : 

1.  Have  any  of  the  preachers  died 
during  the  last  year? 

2.  Who  are  candidates  for  the  minis- 
try? 

3.  Are  any  to  be  ordained  to  the  of- 
fice of  elder? 

4.  What  has  been  collected  for. con- 
tingent expenses  and  the  salary  of  trav- 
eling preachers? 

5.  What  has  been  done  for  missions? 

6.  What  has  been  done  for  Sabbath- 
schools? 

7.  Has  reckoning  been  made  with 
the  traveling  preachers? 

8.  Have  they  received  their  dues  ? 

9.  Who  are  the  presiding  elders? 

10.  Where  are  the  preachers  station- 
ed this  year? 

11.  Where  shall  our  next  Conference 
be  held? 


^4  UNITED    BRETHREN 

12.  Is  there  any  thing  else  to  bo 
done? 

13.  Is  all  that  has  been  done  entered 
upon  record?     v 

SECTION    IX. 

ORGAXIZATIOX  OF  THE  ITmERANCY 
AXD  THE  MANNER  OF  SUSTAIX 
IKQ  IT. 

Ques.  Who  are  the  itinerants? 

Alls.  1,  All  who  propose  themselves 
without  reserve,  after  having  trav- 
eled one  year  under  the  direction  of 
the  stationing  committee  or  presid- 
ing elder,  and  have  been  received,  by 
a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  of 
conference,  shall  be  considered  itiner' 
ants  from  year  to  year,  and  may  be  em- 
ployed under  the  direction  of  the  gen- 
eral or  annual  conferences. 

2.  The  bishop  and  presiding  eldera 
of  the  past  and  present  years,  together 


DISCIPLINE.  45 

with  an  equal  number  of  local  elders 
or  preachers,  elected  by  the  annual 
conference,  shall  constitute  a  stationing 
committee,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
supply  all  the  circuits,  stations,  and 
missions,  as  far  as  practicable,  from  the 
above  list : 

Provided^  however,  that  if  any  of  the 
preachers  thus  stationed,  or  any  who 
may  not  receive  an  appointment,  are 
dissatisfied,  they  shall  have  a  right  to 
appeal  to  the  annual  conference,  if 
two-thirds  grant  the  appeal;*  the  de- 
cision of  which  shall  be  final;  and  the 
report  of  said  stationing  committee 
shall  be  read  at  least  six  hours  before 
the  adjournment  of  conference.. 

3.  Should  there  not  be  enough  itin- 

*  Note. — In  case  of  an  appeal  from  the  de- 
cision of  the  stationing  committee,  no  preacher 
stationed  by  said  committee  shall  be  changed 
without  his  consent,  to  accommodate  the  preach- 
er asking  such  appeal. 


46  UNJTED    BRETHREN 

erants  to  fill  all  the  circuits,  stations, 
and  missions,  such  vacancies  shall  be 
supplied  by  the  presiding  elders. 

Ques.  2.  What  shall  be  done  for  the 
support  of  itinerants  ? 

Ans.  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
quarterly  conference,  at  its  first  session 
in  each  year,  to  make  out  an  estimate 
of  the  regular  expenses  of  the  circuit, 
station  or  mission,  and  apportion  the 
same  among  the  difi"erent  appointments, 
according  to  their  several  abilities: 

Provided,  however,  should  any  annual 
conference  think  proper,  it  may  adopt 
any  other  measure. 

2.  Each  class,  after  receiving  its  ap- 
portionment, shall,  as  soon  as  conven- 
ient, on  the  call  of  the  leader,  hold  a 
meeting,  and  appoint  a  committee  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  make  a  dividend  of 
their  apportionment  to  each  member 
thereof,  according  to  his  or  her  ability, 
to  be  paid  quarterly: 


DISCIPLINE.  47 

Provided^  however,  that  it  shall  be 
the'privilege  of  any  class  to  collect  the 
amount  apportioned  to  it  by  subscrip- 
tion or  otherwise. 

Ques.  3.  How  shall  the  presiding 
elders  be  elected? 

Ans.  The  annual  conference  shall 
elect  them  by  ballot.  A  majority  of  the 
whole  number  of  votes  shall  be  neces- 
sary to  a  choice. 

Ques.  4.  What  shall  be  done  for  the 
support  of  the  presiding  elders? 

Ans.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each 
annual  conference  to  make  such  regu- 
lations for  the  support  of  the  presiding 
elders  as  they  in  their  wisdom  may 
think  best  calculated  to  accomplish  the 
desired  end. 

Ques.  5.  How  shall  they  be  sta- 
tioned? 

Ans.  By  the  bishop  and  one  elder 
from  each  presiding  elder  district. 


48  UNITED    BRETHREN 

Ques.  6.  How  shall  the  bishops' 
fields  of  labor  be  assigned  them? 

Ans.  By  the  general  conference;  and 
in  the  fields  thus  assigned  them  they 
shall  devote  their  whole  time : 

Provided^  however,  that  they  shall 
have  the  privilege  of  making  inter- 
changes when  circumstances  make  it 
necessary;  the  same  not  being  incon- 
sistent with  the  wishes  of  the  respect- 
ive quarterly  conferences. 

Ques.  7.  How  shall  their  support  be 
secured  ? 

Am.  1.  Each  annual  conference  shall 
apportion  its  respective  part  of  the  sal- 
ary, of  its  bishop,  annually,  to  the 
several  fields  of  labor  in  its  bounds,  ac- 
cording to  the  ability  thereof. 

2.  The  bishops  shall  publish  annually 
in  the  columns  of  the  Religious  Tel- 
escope, reports  of  their  respective  dis- 
tricts, and  also  the  amount  of  salary, 


DISCIPLINE.  49 

received  from  the  several  annual  con- 
ferences in  their  charge. 

Ques.  8.  What  shall  be  done  to  reg- 
ulate the  annual  conferences  in  the  di- 
vision of  circuits  or  stations? 

Ans.  A  circuit  or  station  shall  not 
consist  of  any  specific  number  of  mem- 
bers or  appointments,  but  when  the 
annual  conference  thinks  it  able  to  sup- 
port a  minister,  it  may  be  recognized  as 
such. 

If  any  vrho  are  received  as  above 
stated,  shall  cease  to  travel  without 
giving  satisfaction  to  the  conference  of 
which  he  is  a  member,  he  shall  not  be 
entitled  to  any  support  from  the  funds 
belonging  to  said  conference.  And 
furthermore,  he  shall  not  re-enter  the 
itinerancy  without  the  consent  of  at 
least  two-thirds  of  the  conference.  Tet 
supernumerary  and  superannuated  re- 
lations shall  be  duly  recognized,  as  ia 
accordance  with  this  section,  and  may 
4 


50  UNITED    BRETHREN 

be  secured  to  any  brother  having  just 
claims  thereto,  by  a  vote  of  conference. 
Should  a  traveling  preacher  or  elder 
desire  to  leave  the  work  assigned  him, 
he  must  first  acquaint  the  presiding 
elder  of  his  intention,  by  writing  j  and 
should  any  one  leave  or  neglect  his 
station,  except  it  be  through  sickness 
or  other  unavoidable  circumstances,  he 
shall  be  accountable  to  the  next  annual 
conference. 

SECTION    X. 

ITINERANT   PREACHEES'   DUTIES. 

Ques.  What  are  the  duties  of  a  cir- 
cuit preacher  ? 

A71S.  1.  To  take  the  circuit  assigned 
him  willingly. 

2.  To  attend  the  appointments  on  his 
circuit  regularly;  preach  to  the  people j 
and  hold  society  meetings. 

3.  The  preacher  in  charge  is  to  see 


DISCIPLINE.  51 

that  there  are  suitable  persons  elected 
in  all  the  classes  as  leaders  and  stewards, 
at  the  close  of  the  conference  year. 

4.  To  read  the  following  four  sections 
of  our  discipline  every  six  months,  in 
each  class,  viz: — The  Confession  of 
Faith — Reception  and  Duties  of  Mem- 
bers—  Classes — Trial  of  Members. 

5.  To  sit  as  president  on  the  trial  of 
members,  and  see  that  a  correct  account 
of  the  same  is  kept. 

6.  To  render  a  strict  account  of  the 
condition  of  his  circuit  to  each  quarterly 
conference,  where  he  is  to  be  held  ac- 
countable for  the  neglect  of  any  regular 
appointment  on  his  circuit. 

7.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  use  every 
laudable  effort  to  circulate  our  books 
and  church  periodicals ;  and  to  use 
due  diligence  to  advance  the  interests 
of  the  Conference  Printing  Establish- 
ment. 

8.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  keep  a  list 


52  UNITED   BRETHREN 

of  the  names  of  all  the  subscribers  to 
our  church  periodicals^  and  the  time  of 
subscribing,  at  the  different  appoint- 
ments on  his  circuit,  and  hand  it  over 
to  his  successor  at  the  annual  confer- 
ence, with  the  list  of  the  appointments. 

9.  No  preacher  shall  dismiss  any  ap- 
pointment from  his  circuit,  without  the 
consent  of  quarterly  conference. 

10.  To  make  out  a  list  of  all  the  ap- 
pointments on  his  circuit,  and  present 
it  to  the  presiding  elder  at  each  annual 
conference,  for  the  convenience  of  his 
successor. 

11.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  preachers 
in  charge  of  circuits,  stations,  and  mis- 
sions, to  collect  the  annual  amount  ap- 
portioned to  their  j&elds  of  labor  for  the 
support  of  the  bishops. 

12.  He  shall  hold  an  annual  mission- 
ary meeting  at  each  appointment  on  his 
work,  and  see  that  every  member,  and 
all  others  friendly  to  the  cause,  be  so- 


DISCIPLINE.  53 

licited  to  contribute  for  the  support  of 
our  missions. 

13.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  all  sta- 
tioned preachers  to  visit  every  family 
under  their  care,  at  least  once  every 
quarter,  and  pay  strict  attention  to  the 
young  members  of  their  charge. 

1-i.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  circuit 
preachers  to  visit  as  much  as  possible. 

15.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  all  preach- 
ers, whether  local  or  itinerant,  to  make 
use  of  every  laudable  effort  to  enlarge 
the  borders  of  our  Zion,  in  spreading 
scriptural  holiness,  and  report  to  their 
respective  annual  conference  the  num- 
ber of  new  appointments  obtained. 

SECTION   XI. 

BISHOPS— electio:n^  ais'D  duties. 

Ques.  How  are  the  bishops  to  be 
elected  ? 

Ans.    The  general    conference  shall 


54  UNITED   BRETHREN 

elect  tliem  for  the  term  of  four  years, 
by  a  majority  of  the  whole  number  of 
votes,  to  be,  at  the  option  of  conference, 
re-elected.  The  bishops  must  be  capa- 
ble of  attending  the  conferences  ap- 
pointed them,  otherwise  they  can  not 
be  elected. 

Qucs.  What  are  the  duties  of  bishops? 

Ans.  1.  To  preside  over  the  annual 
and  general    conferences. 

2.  In  conjunction  with  the  presiding 
elders  of  the  past  and  present  year,  to- 
gether with  an  equal  number  of  elders 
or  preachers,  they  may  fix  the  appoint- 
ments of  the  traveling  preachers  for  the 
several  circuits,  stations,  and  missions: 
Provided,  that  they  do  not  allow  any 
itinerant  preacher  to  remain  on  the 
same  station  or  circuit  more  than  three 
consecutive  years,  unless  particular  cir- 
cumstances require  it,  and  then  only 
with  consent  of  the  conference. 

3.  The  bishop,  in  conjunction  with 


DISCIPLINE.  55 

one  elder  from  each  presiding  elder  dis- 
trict, elected  by  tlie  conference,  shall 
appoint  the  presiding  elders  to  their 
respective  districts. 

4.  It  is  incumbent  on  them  to  per- 
form the  rite  of  ordination.  ' 

5.  When  a  bishop  neglects  his  duty, 
unless  through  unavoidable  circum- 
stances, he  can  not  be  suffered  to  retain 
his  office. 

6.  If  our  Church  should  at  any  time 
be  destitute  of  a  bishop,  a  bishop  pro 
tcm.  shall  be  elected  from  among  the 
the  elders  at  each  annual  conference. 
Each  bishop  pro  tern,  shall  attend  the 
next  succeeding  conference,  in  conjunc- 
tion with  the  bishop  pro  tern,  there 
elected;  that  a  regular  correspondence 
be  maintained  until  the  ensuing  gen- 
eral conference. 

7.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  bishops 
to  see  that  a  suitable  sermon  be  deliv- 


^  UNITED   BRETHREN 

ered  to  tlie  preacliers  present  at  each 
annual  conference. 


SECTION    XII. 

ELECTION  OF  ELDERS. 

Ques,  How  is  an  elder  constituted? 

Ans.  After  a  probation  of  three  j'ears, 
a  preacher  may  be  presented  to  the 
yearly  conference  for  consideration ; 
"whereupon  the  bishop  shall  propose  to 
conference  the  following  questions: 

Ques.  1.  Is  he  blameless  touching 
the  marriage  state  ? 

2.  Is  his  deportment  in  the  social 
circle  marked  with  Avatchful  sobriety  ? 

3.  Is  he  hospitable  toward  the  afflict- 
ed and  needy  ? 

4.  Is  he  faithful  in  the  public  minis- 
tration of  God's  word? 

5.  Is  his  household  subject  to  rules 
of  piety? 

Should  the  above  questions  be  an- 


DISCIPLINE.  57 

swered  in  tlie  affirmative,  a  committea 
of  three  or  five  elders  shall  be  appoint- 
ed, before  whom  the  candidate  shall 
appear,  and  speak  uninterruptedly  in 
answer  to  the  following  questions,  viz  : 
Qiics.  1.  Upon  what  foundation  do 
you  believe  the  Bible  to  be  the  word 
of  God  ? 

2.  How  do  you  prove  the  fall  of  man 
by  transgression  ? 

3.  How  do  you  prove  the  redemption 
of  man  by  Jesus  Christ? 

4.  Do  you  believe  in  the  God-head 
of  Jesus  Christ  ? 

5.  What  foundation  have  you  for 
such  a  belief? 

6.  Do  you  believe  in  the  Holy 
Ghost  as  presented  in  our  Confession 
of  Faith  ? 

7.  Upon  what  evidence  do  you  be- 
lieve this  ? 

8.  Do  you  believe  in  future,  everlast- 
ing punishment? 


58  UNITED    BRE-THREN 

It  shall  be  the  privilege  of  the  com- 
mittee in  the  close,  to  propose  any 
question  touching  the  answers  given, 
•wherein  their  understanding  may  not 
have  been  distinct.  It  shall  also  be 
their  duty  to  make  out,  sign,  and  deliver 
to  conference  a  report  of  each  case  which 
may  have  been  before  them.  Where- 
upon, by  a  majority  of  the  votes  of  the 
elders  of  conference,  said  candidates 
n:iay  be  elected  to  ordination.  All  or- 
dained elders  of  other  denominations, 
who  may  join  our  church  as  such,  must 
pass  the  above  examination,  but  they 
may  be  exempt  from  the  laying  on  of 
hands.  Yet  circumstances  demanding 
it,  a  licentiate  may  be  presented  to  con- 
ference for  ordination,  at  any  time  prior 
to  a  probation  of  three  years,  provided 
two-thirds  of  the  elders  present  vote 
for  the  same. 


DISCIPLINE.  &9 

SECTION   XIII. 
ORDINATION  OF  ELDERS. 

I.  On  the  day  appointed  there  shall 
be  a  suitable  sermon  or  exhortation  de- 
livered. 

II.  After  their  names  have  been  read 
aloud,  the  bishop  or  elder  shall  read  the 
following  articles  to  all  who  may  be 
chosen  for  ordination : 

"An  elder  must  be  blameless  as  the 
steward  of  God,  not  self-willed,  not  soon 
angry,  not  given  to  wine ;  no  striker, 
not  given  to  filthy  lucre  ;  but  a  lover  of 
hospitality,  a  lover  of  good  men;  sober, 
just,  holy,  temperate  ;  holding  fast  the 
faithful  word  as  he  hath  been  taught, 
that  he  may  be  able,  by  sound  doctrine, 
both  to  exhort  and  convince  the  gain- 
say crs/' —  Tit  i:  7—9. 

Ques.  Do  you  trust  that  you  are  in- 
w;iidly  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost  to 
take  upon  you  the  office  of  the  minis- 


60  UNITED   BRETHREN 

try,  to  serve  Grod  in  the  churcli  of 
Christ  to  the  honor  and  glory  of  his 
holy  name  ?  If  so,  answer — I  trust  I 
am. 

Ans.  I  trust  I  am. 

Qices.  Do  you  believe  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, Old  and  New  Testament  ?  If  so, 
answer — I  do  believe  them. 

Ans.  I  do  believe  them. 

Qiies.  Will  you  apply  due  diligence 
to  frame  and  fashion  your  life  accord- 
ing to  the  doctrines  of  Christ ;  and  to 
make  yourself,  as  much  as  in  you  lieth, 
a  wholesome  example  of  the  flock  of 
Christ?  If  so,  answer — I  will,  the 
Lord  being  my  helper. 

Ans.  I  will,  the  Lord  being  my  helper. 

Qucs.  Will  you  obey  them  to  whom 
the  charge  and  government  over  you  is 
committed,  and  follow  their  godly  ad- 
monitions with  a  willing  and  ready 
mind?  If  so.  answer — I  will  endeavor 
through  the  grace  of  God  to  do  so. 


DISCIPLINE.  61 

Alls.  I  will  endeavor  through  the 
grace  of  God  to  do  so. 

Then  prayer  is  to  he  offered. 

After  prayer,  the  bishop  and  elders 
shall  lay  their  hands  upon  the  head  of 
every  one  of  them,  and  say: 

"  Take  thou  authority  to  execute  the 
office  of  an  elder  in  the  church  of  Grod, 
in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
8on.  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost:  Amen." 

[Hereupon  the  bishop  or  elder  shall 
deliver  to  every  one  of  them  the  Holy 
Bible,  saying  :] 

*'  Take  thou  authority  to  preach  the 
word  of  God,  and  administer  the  ordi- 
nances in  the  church  of  Christ." 

[Then  the  bishop  or  elder  shall  pray. 
And  after  prayer  he  shall  read  from 
Luke  xii :  35—38.]  "  Let  your  loins 
be  girded  about,  and  your  lights  burn- 
ing, and  ye  yourselves  like  unto  men 
that  wait  for  their  Lord,  when  he  shall 
return  from  the  wedding ;  that,  when 


62<'  UNITED   BRETHREN 

he  cometli  and  knocketh,tliey  may  open 
unto  liim  immediately.  Blessed  are 
those  servants  whom  the  Lord  when  he 
Cometh,  shall  find  watching.  Yerily  I 
say  unto  you,  that  he  shall  gird  him- 
self, and  make  them  sit  down  to  meat, 
and  will  come  forth  and  serve  them. 
And  if  he  shall  come  in  the  second 
watch,  or  come  in  the  third  watch,  and 
find  them  so,  blessed  are  those  servants." 
[After  this,  the  following  benediction 
is  to  be  pronounced  :] 

The  peace  of  God  keep  your  hearts 
and  minds  in  the  knowledge  of  Jesus 
Chridi  our  Lord.     Amen. 


SECTION  XIV. 

ELDERS'  DUTIES. 

It  is  the  duty  of  an  elder  to  preach 
as  often  as  he  can ;  to  baptize,  to  admin- 
ister the  Lord's  Supper,  solemnize  mar- 
riages, to  perform  all  parts  of  divine 


DISCIPLINE.  63 

service,  to  be  an  example  to  the  flock 
of  Christ,  by  imitating  his  moral  exam- 
ple ;  and  in  a  very  special  manner  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  an  elder  to  cherish 
and  encourage  young  ministers,  and  al- 
ways to  be  looking  for  those  whom  God 
has  called  to  preach,  and  advise  them 
to  take  up  the  cross,  and  begin  the  work 
without  delay,  that  the  labor  of  this 
gospel  harvest  may  be  faithfully  per- 
formed. 

SECTION  XV. 

PRESIDING  ELDERS. 

Ques.  What  are  the  duties  of  a  pre- 
siding elder  ? 

Ans.  1.  To  travel  through  the  district 
appointed  him,  and  to  preach  as  often 
as  is  practicable. 

2.  He  shall  appoint  the  quarterly 
and  camp-meetings,  and  attend  them. 
He   shall  hold  quarterly  conferences, 


6-1:  UNITED    BRETHREN 

with  the  preachers,  extorters,  leaders, 
stewards,  and  trustees,  and  administer 
the  ordinances  of  God's  house.  He 
shall  inquire  and  examine  whether  the 
preachers  do  their  duty,  preach  every 
iSabbath;  and  exhort  them  to  maintain 
discipline  and  order,  love  and  serious- 
ness in  the  society. 

3.  He  may  also  in  conjunction  with 
two  elders,  preachers,  exhorters,  or  lead- 
ers [one  from  each  circuit],  change  the 
preachers  in  his  district. 

4.  Should  any  district  happen  to  be 
without  a  presiding  elder,  information 
shall  be  immediately  given  to  a  bishop 
who  shall  appoint  an  elder  to  preside 
in  said  district  until  the  ensuing  annual 
conference. 

SECTION   XVI. 
QUARTERLY  CONFERENCE. 
Ques.  1.  Who  are  the  members  of 
the  quarterly  conference? 


DISCIPLINE.  65 

Alls.  All  the  properly  recognized 
preachers,  exhorters,  leaders,  stewards, 
and  trustees  of  meeting  and  parsonage- 
houses,  who  reside  within  the  bounds 
of  the  circuit  or  station. 

Qiies.  2.  What  is  the  business  of  the 
quarterly  conference? 

Arts.  1.  In  the  absence  of  the  presid- 
ing elder,  the  quarterly  conference  shall 
cl-ect  a  presiding  elder  pro  tem.^  whose 
official  acts  shall  be  valid. 

2.  To  elect  a  secretary,  whose  duty 
it  shall  be  to  keep  a  correct  record  of 
all  their  proceedings  in  a  book  provided 
for  that  purpose,  in  which  the  names  of 
all  the  members  composing  the  said 
conference,  shall  be  entered. 

3.  To  make  a  general,  or,  if  neces- 
sary, particular  inquiry  into  the  moral 
deportment  and  official  character  of  all 
its  members. 

4.  To  receive  and  try  all  appeals, 
reference?,  and    complaints,    that    may 

5 


6^  UNITED    BRETHREN 

come  regularly  before  it ;  but  no  mem- 
ber of  quarterly  conference  can  be  sus- 
pended or  expelled  prior  to  a  committee 
trial. 

5.  To  grant  license  to  exhort  or 
preacli  to  such  as  may  have  been  recom- 
mended by  at  least  two-thirds  of  the 
class  (in  each  case  a  recommendation 
must  be  obtained)  of  which  they  may 
be  members ;  provided,  however,  that 
none  shall  receive  license  who  can  not 
give  satisfactory  evidence  of  their  call, 
experience,  soundness  in  doctrine,  and 
attachment  to  our  church  and  govern- 
ment. 

6.  To  make  settlement  with  the  stew- 
ards and  traveling  preachers. 

7.  To  renew  the  license  of  exhort- 
ers,  and  quarterly  conference  licensed 
preachers,  annually,  if  they  be  found 
worthy. 

8.  After  such  licentiate  preachers 
have  stood  in  that  capacity  one  or  more 


DISCIPLINE.  67 

years,  the  quarterly  conference  may 
recommend  them  to  the  annual  confer- 
ence. 

9.  All  preachers  recommended  to  the 
annual  conference,  and  not  received, 
may  sustain  their  former  relation. 

Qucs.  3.  How  are  preachers  from 
other  societies  received? 

Ans.  If  they  come  to  us  with  certifi- 
cates of  good  standing  in  the  society  in 
which  they  have  had  membership,  and 
give  satisfaction  to  the  quarterly  confer- 
ence on  examination  on  the  doctrine, 
discipline,  government,  and  usages  of 
our  church,  then  quarterly  conference 
may  license  them,  with  the  understand- 
ing that  the  quarterly  conference  rela- 
tion continue  for  at  least  one  year ; 
(Provided,  that  an  elder  coming  to  us 
shall  be  allowed  to  perform  the  func- 
tions of  an  elder  during  his  probation,) 
after  which,  if  their  conduct  and  doc- 
trine be  in  accordance  with  the  Gospel 


68  UNITED    BRETHREN 

of  Christ,  tliey  may  be  received  into 
the  annual  conference  as  preachers,  or 
elders,  as  the  case  may  be. 

Ques.  4.  What  directions  are  neces- 
sary in  case  of  appeals  ? 

Ans.  Any  exhorter  or  preacher,  dis- 
satisfied with  the  decision  of  a  quarter- 
ly conference,  shall,  within  thirty  days 
after  the  quarterly  conference,  notify 
the  secretary,  in  writing,  of  his  inten- 
tion to  appeal,  together  with  his  reasons 
for  so  doing  ;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  secretary  to  take  or  send  a  certi- 
fied copy  of  the  proceedings,  the  noti- 
fication and  reasons  assigned,  to  the 
annual  conference. 

Ques.  5.  "Where  shall  our  next  quar- 
terly conference  be  held  ? 

Ques,  6.  Is  there  any  thing  more  to 
be  done  ? 

All  cxhorters  and  quarterly  confer- 
ence preachers  are  required  to  joia 
some  convenient  class;  and  upon  neg- 


DISCIPLINE.  69 

lect  or  refusal  to  do  so,  shall  lose  their 
official  relation. 

It  shall  also  be  the  duty  of  the  quar- 
terly conference  to  open  and  close  by 
singing  and  prayer. 

EECTION    XVII. 

OFFICIAL  MEETINGS  FOR  STATION'S. 

Ques.  1.  AVho  are  the  nicmbers  of  the 
official  meeting  ? 

Ans.  1.  All  the  properly  recognized 
members  of  the  quarterly  conference. 

2.  The  preacher  in  charge  shall  be 
the  president  of  the  meeting,  and  in  his 
absence,  one  of  the  members  shall  be 
elected  president  pro  tern. 

Ques.  2.  What  is  the  business  of  the 
official  meeting? 

Ans.  1.  The  president  shall  call  the 
meeting  to  order,  and  begin  and  con- 
clude with  prayer. 

2.  To    elect   a    se.cretarv,  who   shall 


70  UNITED    BRETHREN 

make  a  record  of  all  the  proceedings  of 
tlie  meeting. 

3.  To  receive  a  statement  from  each 
class-leader  in  reference  to  the  prosper- 
ity of  religion  in  his  class. 

4.  To  receive  all  moneys  from  the 
stewards  that  have  been  collected  since 
the  last  meeting  for  the  preacher  in 
charge,  or  preachers,  and  pay  over  the 
same. 

5.  This  body  shall  meet  once  a 
month,  and  may  meet  oftener,  if  cir- 
cumstances require, 

6.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  official 
meeting  to  receive  all  reports  of  sub- 
scriptions, and  moneys  collected  and 
disbursed  for  the  interest  of  the  sta- 
tion ;  and  all  persons  entrusted  with 
subscriptions  or  moneys  shall  report  the 
same  to  the  meeting  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible. 

7.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  official 
meetincr   to    submit   its  doings  to   the 


DISCIPLINE.  71 

quarterly  conference   for    examination 
and  approval. 

SECTION  xvni. 

TRIAL  OF  MEMBERS. 

Ques.  What  shall  be  done  when  mem- 
bers trespass  against  each  other  ? 

Ans.  "If  thy  brother  shall  trespass 
against  thee,  go  and  tell  him  his  fault 
between  him  and  thee  alone  ;  if  he  shall 
hear  thee,  thou  hast  gained  thy  brother;: 
but  if  he  will  not  hear  thee,  then  take 
with  thee  one  or  two  more;  and  if  he 
shall  neglect  to  hear  them,  tell  it  un- 
to the  church;  but  if  he  neglect  to 
hear  the  church,  let  him  be  unto  thee 
as  a  heathen  man  and  a  publican." 

Ques.  What  shall  be  done  in  case  of 
members  accused  of  trespass  or  immoral 
conduct? 

Ans.  The  class  shall  appoint  one  or 
more   to   visit  the  accused  brother  or 


72  UNITED   BRETHREN 

member,  and  if  possible,  reclaim  him; 
but  if  unsuccessful,  he  or  she  shall  be 
tried  by  the  class  to  which  they  belong, 
or  a  select  number  thereof,  chosen  by 
the  parties  concerned,  with  the  preacher 
in  charge  of  the  circuit  or  station,  who 
shall  be  chairman,  and  if  found  guilty, 
the  accused  shall  be  expelled,  unless 
satisfaction  be  given  by  an  expres- 
sion of  repentance  or  otherwise.  But, 
should  any  member  be  dissatisfied  with 
the  decision,  an  appeal  may  be  had  to 
the  quarterly  conference,  by  giving  no- 
tice thereof  to  the  preacher  in  charge. 
In  such  case,  however,  the  same  per- 
sons shall  not  sit  in  judgment  on  the 
same  case.  Yet  cases  may  happen, 
where  it  would  be  expedient  to  choose 
a  committee  from  any  other  class,  or 
classes,  than  the  one  to  which  the  par- 
ties belong;  also  an  elder  may  be 
chosen  as  chairman,  should  the  preach- 
er in  charge  deem  it  best  to  do  so. 


DISCIPLINE.  73 

In  cases  of  neglect  of  duty  of  any 
kind,  imprudent  conduct,  indulging 
sinful  tempers  or  words,  or  disobedience 
to  tlie  order  and  discipline  of  the 
church :  First  let  private  reproof  be 
given  by  the  preacher  or  leader ;  and 
if  there  be  an  acknowledgment  of  the 
fault  and  proper  humiliation,  the  per- 
son may  be  borne  with.  On  a  second 
offense,  the  preacher  or  leader  shall 
take  with  him  one  or  two  faithful  mem- 
bers. On  a  third  offense,  let  the  case  be 
brought  before  the  church  or  class,  or 
a  select  committee,  and  if  there  be  no 
satisfactory  humiliation,  the  offender 
shall  be  expelled. 

In  case  of  trial  under  this  clause,  the 
leader  shall  act  in  behalf  of  the  church; 
or  if  the  leader  be  the  offender,  the 
steward  shall  act  as  prosecutor. 

Ques.  What  shall  be  done  in  case  of 
disputes  between  members  or  preachers  ? 

Ans.  The  preacher  to  whom  it  shall 


74  UNITED   BRETHREN 

be  known,  shall  inquire  into  the  cir- 
cumstances of  the  case,  and,  if  neces- 
sary, shall  recommend  to  the  contend- 
ing parties  a  reference,  consisting  of 
one  arbiter,  chosen  by  the  plaintiff,  and 
another  by  the  defendant,  and  a  third 
by  these  two ;  then  these  three  are  to 
decide. 

But,  if  either  be  dissatisfied  with  the 
decision,  such  may  have  a  right  to  an 
appeal  to  the  next  quarterly  conference 
for  a  second  arbitration,  where  each 
party  shall  choose  two  arbiters,  and  the 
four  shall  choose  a  fifth ;  a  decision  of 
the  majority  of  whom  shall  be  final. 
Any  person  refusing  to  abide  by  this 
decision,  and  every  member  refusing, 
in  case  of  debt  or  dispute,  to  refer  the 
matter  to  arbitration  when  recommend- 
ed to  him  by  a  preacher  or  leader;  or 
who  shall  enter  into  a  lawsuit  with  an- 
other member  before  these  measures 
are  taken,  shall    be    expelled ;    cxcspt 


DISCIPLINE.  75 

when  the  case  is  of  such  a  nature  as  to 
require  and  justify  a  proceSvS  at  hiw,  as 
executors  or  administrators,  or  when  a 
member  is  in  danger  of  sufiering  an 
unexpected  loss  of  property. 

Every  class-leader  shall  keep  a  record 
of  the  proceedings  of  church  trials, 
deaths,  expulsions  and  removals,  in  a 
book  provided  for  that  purpose ;  and  it 
shall  be  his  duty  in  case  of  an  appeal, 
to  send  his  record  to  the  quarterly  con- 
ference. 

SECTION     XIX. 

IMMORAL  CONDUCT   OF  PREACHERS. 

Ques.  What  shall  be  done  when  an 
elder  or  preacher  is  reported  guilty  of 
immorality  ? 

Ans.  When  an  elder  or  preacher  is 
charged  with  immoral  conduct,  the 
preacher  to  whom  it  is  known  shall 
take    with    him  another  preacher,  ex- 


76  UNITED    BRETHREN 

horter,  or  leader,  and  examine  into  the 
charge ;  but  as  the  apostle  saith,  1  Tim- 
othy, 5th  chap.,  19th  verse,  "receive 
not  an  accusation  against  an  elder,  but 
before  two  or  three  witnesses."  Should 
it  appear  he  is  justly  accused,  notice 
thereof  shall  be  given  him,  and  a  time 
and  place  appointed  where  the  accuser 
and  the  accused  shall  meet.  Then 
three  elders,  or  one  elder  and  two 
preachers,  shall  try  his  case,  which  are 
to  be  appointed  by  the  parties  concern- 
ed, each  party  appointing  one,  and  the 
two  a  third.  Should  they  be  satisfied 
that  the  accusation  is  sustained,  then 
the  accused  shall  hold  his  peace  until 
the  annual  conference,  where  he  shall 
be  a-ccountable.  If  the  accused  refuse 
to  choose  his  committee-man,  when 
properly  notified,  the  Cjuarterly  confer- 
ence shall  choose  a  second  person,  and 
these  two  a  third,  which  com.mittee 
shall  try  the  case  and  decide.      But  if 


DISCIPLINE.  77 

the  elder  be  a  bishop,  he  shall  be  tried 
by  the  annual  conference  within  whose 
bounds  the  cause  of  accusation  occurred. 
But  should  sufficient  satisfaction  be 
given  by  an  expression  of  repentance, 
or  otherwise,  he  may  be  retained.  But 
should  the  accused  preacher,  elder,  or 
bishop,  refuse  to  attend,  after  having 
been  notified  of  the  time  and  place  of 
trial,  he  shall  be  suspended  ;  and  the 
committee  shall  notify  him  to  appear  at 
the  next  quarterly  or  annual  confer- 
ence, to  answer  to  the  charges  preferred 
against  him;  and  if  he  fail  to  attend 
(unavoidable  circumstances  excepted), 
he  shall  be  suspended,  or  expelled,  as 
the  conference  may  think  proper. 

Also,  if  the  accused  preacher  or 
elder  be  a  member  of  the  annual  confer- 
ence, the  presiding  elder  of  the  district 
upon  which  such  accused  preacher  or 
elder  lives,  or  of  the  adjoining  one, 
shall  act  as  chairman    on    the   trial — 


78  UNITED    BRETHREN 

if  he  be  a  member  of  the  quarterly 
conference,  the  preacher  in  charge  of 
th«  circuit  upon  which  he  lives,  or  the 
next  nearest,  shall  sit  as  chairman  in 
trying  the  offense. 

SECTION    XX. 

PREACHERS'  SALARIES. 

1.  The  annual  allowance  of  a  travel- 
ing bishop  or  preacher,  if  he  has  no 
family,  shall  be  one  hundred  and  fifty 
dollars,  and  his  traveling  expenses ;  if 
he  has  a  family,  it  shall  be  three  hun- 
dred dollars,  his  traveling  expenses  and 
house  rent. 

2.  When  an  itinerant  j)reacher  is  so 
circumstanced  as  to  the  place  and  ex- 
pense of  living  that  the  above  provis- 
ion will  not  meet  his  necessary  wants; 
— if  he  be  a  bishop,  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  general  conference  to  grant  him 
such  an  allowance,  additional  to  that 


DISCIPLINE.  7\) 

above  stated,  as  in  its  judgment  will 
supply  his  wants; — if  he  be  a  presiding 
elder,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  annual 
conference  to  grant  allowance  to  him,  as 
in  the  case  of  the  general  conference  to 
the  bishop ; — if  he  be  a  circuit  or  sta- 
tioned preacher,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of 
the  quarterly  conference  to  grant  to 
him  allowance  additional  to  the  above 
provisions  ; — if  he  be  a  missionary,  em- 
ployed by  an  annual  conference,  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  annual  conference 
to  grant  such  allowance  to  the  provis- 
ion, as  above  stated  ; — if  he  be  a  mis- 
sionary employed  by  the  Board  of  Mis- 
sions, the  Board  shall  grant  such  allow- 
ance additional  to  the  salary  and  house 
rent  provision,  as  in  its  judgment  it 
shall  see  proper. 

3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  a  circuit 
or  station,  when  a  preacher  is  sent  to  it 
by    annual    conference,    to  move    said 


80  UNITED    BRETHREN 

preacher  on  such  circuit  or  station,  at 
its  own  expense. 

Qiies.  What  shall  be  done  for  the 
needy,  superannuated,  or  worn  out  trav- 
eling preachers,  and  their  widows  and 
orphans  ? 

Ans.  Theannual  conferences  to  which 
they  respectively  belong,  shall  make 
provision  for  them. 

SECTION    XXI. 
SECRET  SOCIETIES. 

We  believe  that  secret  societies  are 
evil  in  their  nature  and  tendency;  (a 
secret  society  is  one  whose  initiatory 
ceremony  or  bond  of  union  is  a  secret); 
and  any  member  or  preacher  of  our 
church  who  shall  be  found  connected, 
in  any  way,  with  such  a  society  shall 
be  dealt  with,  as  in  case  of  other  im- 
morality, according  to  sections  eighteen 
and  nineteen,  of  discipline,  respectively. 


DISCIPLINE.  81 

SECTION  xxir. 

SLAVERY. 

All  slavery,  in  every  sense  of  the 
word,  is  totally  prohibited,  and  shall  in 
no  way  be  tolerated  in  our  church. 
Should  any  be  found  in  our  society  who 
hold  slaves,  they  can  not  continue  as 
members  unless  they  do  personally  man- 
umit or  set  free  such  slaves. 

And  when  it  is  known  to  any  of  our 
ministers  in  charge  of  a  circuit,  station, 
or  mission,  that  any  of  its  members 
hold  a  slave  or  slaves,  he  shall  admonish 
such  members  to  manumit  such  slave  or 
slaves  ;  and  if  such  persons  do  not  take 
measures  to  carry  out  the  discipline, 
they  shall  be  expelled  by  the  proper 
authorities  of  the  church;  and  any 
minister  refusing  to  attend  to  the  duties 
above  described,  shall  be  dealt  with  by 
the  authorities  to  which  he  is  amen- 
able. 

6 


^mZ  UNITED   BRETHREN 

SECTION    XXIII. 

WAR. 

Resok^d^  That  we  believe  the  spirit 
which  leads  men  to  voluntarily  engage 
in  national  warfare,  is  unholy  and  anti- 
christian,  and  ought  not  to  be  tolerated 
by  us. 

SECTION    XXIV. 

DOCTRINAL  PUBLICATIONS. 

No  one  of  our  preachers  or  laymen 
shall  become  the  author  of  any  doctrinal 
book  or  pamphlet,  in  a  printed  form,  in 
the  name  of  the  church,  without  the 
approbation  of  the  annual  conference, 
or  of  a  committee  chosen  by  the  same. 
And  if  any  preacher  or  layman  violates 
this  rule,  he  shall  be  accountable  to  the 
class,  or  the  quarterly  or  annual  con- 
ference  as  the  case  may  be. 


DISCIPLINE.  83 

SECTION    XXV. 

OATHS. 
We  believe  that  the  mode  of  testify- 
ing to  the  truth  when  required  so  to  do 
in  a  legal  form,  by  way  of  aflSrmation,  is 
on  us  solemnly,  conscientiously,  and 
fully  binding  before  Grod  to  tell  the 
truth,  the  whole  truth,  and  nothing  but 
the  truth. 

SECTION  XXVI. 
ARDENT  SPIRITS. 
The  distilling,  vending,  and  use  of 
ardent  spirits  as  a  beverage,  shall  be, 
and  is  hereby  forbidden  throughout  our 
society  ;  and  should  any  preacher,  ex- 
horter,  leader,  or  layman,  be  engaged  in 
distilling,  vending,  or  using  ardent  spir- 
its as  a  beverage,  he  shall  be  account- 
able to  the  class,  the  quarterly  or  annual 
conference  to  which  he  belongs.  If  the 
offending  brother  be  an  exhorter,  leader, 


§4  UNITED    BRETHREX 

or  layman,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
preacher  in  charge  to  admonish  him  in 
meekness.  If  he  be  a  preacher,  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  presiding  officer  of 
a  quarterly  or  annual  conference  to  ad- 
monish him  to  desist  from  his  unholy 
employment  or  habit.  And  if  all  friend- 
ly admonitions  fail,  such  offending  per- 
son or  persons  shall  no  longer  be  con- 
sidered members  of  our  church,  but 
shall  be  expelled  from  the  same  ;  pro- 
vided, however,  that  this  rule  shall  not 
be  so  construed  as  to  prevent  druggists 
and  others,  from  vending  or  using  it  for 
medicinal  or  mechanical  purposes. 

SECTION    XXVII. 

NECESSITY  OF   UNIO]^  AMONQ  OUR- 
SELVES. 

Let  us  be  deeply  sensible  (from  what 
we  have  known)  of  the  evil  of  a  divis- 
ion in  principle,  spirit,  or  practice,  and 
of  the  dreadful  consequences    to   our- 


nsi'iPLiNs.  85 

selves  and  others.  If  we  arc  united, 
what  can  stand  before  us?  If  we  aredi- 
divided,  we  shall  injure  ourselves,  the 
work  of  God,  and  the  souls  of  our  people. 
What  can  be  done  in  order  to  a  closer 
union  with  each  other? 

1.  Let  us  be  deeply  convinced  of  the 
absolute  necessity  of  it. 

2.  Pray  earnestly  for,  and  speak  truly 
and  freely  to  each  other. 

8.  When  we  meet  let  us  never  part 
without  prayer. 

4.  Take  great  care  not  to  despise 
each  other's  gifts. 

5.  Never  speak  lightly  of  each  other. 

6.  Let  us  defend  each,  other's  charac- 
ter in  every  thing,  so  far  as  is  consist- 
ent with  truth. 

7.  Labor  in  honor,  eacli  preferring 
another  before  himself. 

8.  We  recommend  a  serious  exami- 
nation of  the  causes,  evils,  and  cures  of 
heart  and  church  divisions. 


86  UNITED    BRETHREN 


SECTION    XXVIII. 


VISITING  FROM  HOUSE  TO  HOUSE 
AND  ENFORCING  PRACTICAL  RE- 
LIGION. 

Ques.  IIow  can  we  further  assist  those 
under  our  care  ? 

Ans.  By  instructing  them  at  their 
own  houses,  which  is  necessary  to  pro- 
mote confidence  and  communion  with 
God  among  us,  to  wean  us  from  the 
love  of  the  world,  and  to  inure  us  to  a 
life  of  heavenly-mindedness;  also  to 
encourage  us  to  strive  after  and  prac- 
tice brotherly  love,  that  no  evil  think- 
ing or  judging  of  one  another  be  found 
among  us ;  and  lastly,  that  we  may 
learn  to  do  as  we  would  wish  to  be 
done  by. 

2.  Every  preacher  should  make  it 
his  duty  to  instruct  the  people  on  every 
occasion,  both  public  and  private  ;  and 
exhort  them  to  be  diligent  in  all  good 


DISCIPLINE.  87 

worksand  doctrine.  Until  this  be  done, 
and  that  in  sincerity,  we  shall,  upon 
the  whole,  be  of  but  little  use,  and  our 
good  shall  be  evil  spoken  of;  therefore, 
wherever  we  may  be,  we  should  guard 
against  useless  and  idle  conversation. 

Undoubtedly  this  private  application 
of  visiting  from  house  to  house,  and  ex- 
horting the  people,  is  found  or  implied 
in  these  solemn  words  of  the  apostle: 

"  I  charge  thee,  therefore,  before  God, 
and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  shall 
judge  the  quick  and  the  dead  at  his  ap- 
pearing and  his  kingdom ;  preach  the 
word  ;  be  instant  in  season  and  out  of 
season;  reprove,  rebuke,  exhort  with 
all  long  suffering  and  doctrine." — 2 
Timothy,  4:  1,  2. 

SECTION    XXIX.  I 

SABBATH-SCHOOLS. 
Ques.  1.  What  shall  be  done  to  ben- 
efit the  rising  generation  ? 


88  UNirF.D    BRETIIREX 

Ans.  1.  Let  him  -vrho  is  any  way  zeal- 
ous for  God,  and  the  souls  of  men,  begin 
the  work  immediately.  "Wherever  chil- 
dren are  found,  speak  freely  to  them, 
and  instruct  them  diligently ;  exhort 
them  to  be  good,  and  pray  with  them, 
earnestly,  yet  simply  and  plainly,  that 
they  may  learn  to  know  their  Creator 
and  Redeemer  in  the  days  of  their 
youth. 

Ques.  2.  What  shall  be  done  for  the 
cause  of  Sabbath-schools? 

Ans.  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each 
preacher  in  charge  of  a  circuit,  station, 
or  mission,  to  preach  a  sermon  at  each 
appointment,  on  the  importance  of  Sab- 
bath-schools,— setting  forth  their  claims 
on  parents  and  children,  and  the  com- 
munity in  general. 

2.  It  shall  also  be  his  duty  to  use  all 
proper  means  to  organize  a  Sabbath- 
school  in  each  society  and  congregation 
in  his  charge,  as  soon  as  practicable. 


PiscrPLiNK.  89 

3.  Also  to  solicit  funds  (or  see  that 
Bome  eflScient  agent  be  appointed  to  do 
so),  to  purchase  a  suitable  library  for 
each  school  under  his  care. 

Ques.  3.  How  shall  we  ascertain  what 
progress  we  are  making  in  this  laudable 
enterprise  ? 

Ans.  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each 
preacher  in  charge  to  report  to  his  an- 
nual conference  the  number  of  Sabbath- 
schools  organized  in  his  charge  during 
the  year — the  number  of  scholars  in 
attendance  at  each  school — the  number 
of  teachers  employed  in  each,  and  the 
amount  of  money  collected  for  Sabbath- 
school  purposes.  It  shall  also  be  the 
duty  of  all  our  preachers,  whether 
traveling  or  local,  to  use  their  influ- 
ence in  favor  of  this  important  enter- 
prise. 

2.  We  would  furthermore  earnestly 
recommend  to  our  church,  the  import- 
ance of  co-operation  with  the  ministry 


9(^  UNITED    BRETHREN 

in  the  great  work  of  training  up  the 
youth  of  our  church  and  country,  in 
the  "  way  they  should  go," — to  Sah- 
bath-school,  to  virtue,  and  to  God. 

3.  We  recommend  that  penny  collec- 
tions be  taken  up  every  Sabbath,  in  all 
our  Sabbath-schools,  for  missionary  pur- 
poses, which  collections  shall,  by  the 
treasurers  of  the  Sabbath-schools,  be 
paid  over  to  the  annual  conference 
branch  treasurer  of  the  Home,  Frontier, 
and  Foreign  Missionary  Society. 

4.  The  secretary  and  treasurer,  to- 
gether with  the  superintendent  of  the 
school,  shall  constitute  a  Board  of  Man- 
agers, who  shall  adopt  such  measures  as 
may  be  deemed  by  them  best  to  foster 
and  encourage  the  missionary  spirit,  and 
the  interests  of  missions  in  the  school. 

5.  We  advise  our  ministers  and  super- 
intendents to  secure,  as  far  as  possible, 
religious  persons,  as  teachers  in  our 
Sabbath-schools. 


DISCIPLINE.  91 

SECTION    XXX. 
ORDER  TO  BE  OBSERVED    IN   BUILD- 
ING- MEETING-HOUSES. 

Ques.  Is  any  thing  advisable  in  re- 
gard to  the  building  of  meeting-houses  ? 

Ans.  Let  all  our  meeting-houses  be 
built  plain  and  neat,  with  free  seats,  and 
not  more  expensive  than  necessary. 

Ques.  To  whom  are  our  meeting- 
houges,  and  the  premises  belonging  to 
them,  to  be  deeded? 

Ans.  To  a  Board  of  Trustees,  and 
their  successors  in  office,  in  trust,  as 
property  of  the  Church  of  the  Unitsd 
Brethren  in  Christ. 

Ques.  How  is  the  Board  of  Trustees 
to  be  constituted  ? 

Ans.  Whenever  it  is  contemplated  by 
a  society,  to  purchase  or  build  a  meet- 
ing-house, it  shall  be  the  duty  of  a 
leader  or  steward  of  such  society  to 
make  it  known  to  the  quarterly  confer- 
ence of  the  circuit  or  station  to  which 


!J2 


UNITED    BRETHREN 


he  belongs,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
appoint  a  judicious  Board  of  Trustees^ 
of  not  less  than  three  in  number,  or  as 
the  law  of  the  state  in  which  said  house 
is  to  be  built  may  direct;  provided, 
however,  that  none  be  required  to  serve 
more  than  four  years,  unless  indispens- 
ably necessary.  No  person  shall  be 
considered  eligible  as  a  trustee  for  any 
of  our  meeting-houses  who  is  not  a 
regular  member  of  our  church. 

Ques.  How  are  the  trustees  to  pro- 
ceed in  building  a  house  ? 

A71S.  No  society  shall  commence  the 
building  of  any  meeting-house,  without 
first  getting  an  act  of  incorporation 
where  the  law  of  the  state  requires  it. 
They  shall  form  an  estimate  of  the 
amount  necessary  to  procure  a  lot,  to 
build,  and  to  make  such  other  improve- 
ments as  may  be  conceived  necessary. 
And  they  shall  at  no  time  proceed  with 
the    building   of  a   house  of  worship. 


DISCIPLINE.  93 

beyond  the  means,  either  in  hand,  or 
sufficiently  secured,  so  as  to  avoid  in- 
volving our  houses  of  worship  in  any 
way  in  debt';  and  also  secure  a  lawful 
title  for  the  lot  upon  which  they  intend 
to  build. 

The  trustees  shall  hold  annual  meet- 
ings, and  keep  a  fair  and  regular  record 
of  the  transactions  of  the  Board,  in  a 
book  provided  for  that  purpose,  which 
shall  at  all  times  be  open  for  inspection 
by  the  quarterly  conference  of  said  cir- 
cuit or  station. 

To  take  charfre  of  the  meetin^j^-housc 
property,  furniture,  premises,  burial- 
grounds,  &c. 

Qiies.  What  shall  be  done  when  a  va- 
cancy or  vacancies  occur  in  the  Board 
of  Trustees? 

Alls.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  quar- 
terly conference  to  appoint  a  suitable 
person  or  persons  to  fill  such  vacancies. 


M  UNITED    BRETHREN 

Ques.  AVhat  shall  be  done  when  any 
of  our  houses  are  vacant? 

Ans.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  quar- 
terly conference,  of  the  nearest  cir- 
cuit, or  station,  to  appoint  not  less  than 
three  suitable  persons  for  trustees,  who 
shall  have  the  power,  when  authorized 
by  two-thirds  of  the  members  of  that 
conference,  to  lease,  rent,  or  sell  such 
meeting-house,  and  the  appurtenances 
belonging  to  it ;  and  to  appropriate  the 
money  arising  from  such  lease,  rent, 
or  sale,  by  the  direction  of  said  confer- 
ence, toward  the  erection  of  new  meet- 
ing-houses, or  the  liquidation  of  debts 
on  old  ones.  If  the  vacated  house  be 
a  parsonage,  its  proceeds  shall  be  ap- 
plied to  a  like  purpose. 

The  above  rules  to  be  observed  in  pur- 
chasing or  building  parsonage-houses. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  our  presiding 
elders,  as  soon  as  convenient,  to  appoint, 
or  sec  that  three   or  five  suitable  per- 


rusciPLiNE.  95 

Eons  are  appointed,  "with  the  consent  of 
the  quarterly  conference,  to  take  up 
subscriptions  to  build  or  purchase  par- 
sonage-houses for  their  respective  sta- 
tions or  circuits,  the  same  to  be  deeded 
to  those  three  or  five  trustees,  and  their 
successors  in  office,  for  the  use  of  the 
church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 
We  command  that  all  our  parsonage- 
houses  be  plain,  and  located  in  some 
central  place. 

Note, — The  trustees  should  be  careful  in  all 
cases  to  have  deeds  of  convej-ance  legally  exe- 
cuted, and  recorded  in  the  county  records  where 
the  property  is  ;  that  is,  to  have  the  deed  made 
to  them  and  their  successors  in  office,  in  trust, 
for  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Chris", 
and  to  erect  and  build,  or  cause  to  be  built,  a 
house  of  worship  for  the  members  of  said 
church. 

SECTION    XXXI. 

SINGING. 
We  believe  it  to   be  the  duty  of  all 
the  people  of  God  to  sing  his  praises; 


96  UNITED    BRETHREN 

and  to  sing  them  in  the  great  congre- 
gation as  well  as  in  the  private  circle. 
We  therefore  kindly  forbid  the  intro- 
duction of  choirs  into  any  of  our 
churches;  but  we  would  earnestly 
recommend  to  all  of  our  people  the  cul- 
tivation of  vocal  music,  so  that  the 
singing  in  our  congregations  may  be 
improved. 

SECTION    XXXII. 

CONSTITUTIOX  OF  THE  MISSIONARY 
SOCIETY. 

I.  This  Society  shall  bo  called  the 
"  JFome,  Fronfier,  and  Foreign  Mission- 
ary Societij  of  the  United  Brethren  in 
Christ,"  and  is  organized  for  the  pur- 
pose of  aiding  the  annual  conferences 
in  extending  their  missionary  labors 
throughout  the  country,  and  into  foreign 
and  heathen  lands. 

II.  The  payment  of  ten  dollars  at  one 
time  Bhall  constitute  a  life  member — 


DISCIPLINE.  97 

of  fifty  dollars  at  one  time  a  life  direct- 
or. No  certificate  of  life  membership 
or  life  directorship  shall  be  granted 
until  the  full  amount  is  paid. 

III.  The  officers  of  this  society  shall 
consist  of  a  President,  three  Yice-Pres- 
idents,  Secretary,  Treasurer,  and  six 
Directors,  who,  together,  shall  consti- 
tute a  Board  of  Directors;  and  shall  be 
elected  every  four  years  by  the  general 
conference. 

IV.  The  president  shall  preside  at  all 
meetings  of  the  board,  and  shall  have 
power,  in  conjunction  with  the  secretary, 
to  call  special  meetings.  In  the  ab- 
sence of  the  president,  one  of  the  vice- 
presidents  shall  fill  his  place. 

Y.  The  secretary  shall  keep  a  correct 
record  of  all  the  proceedings  of  the  so- 
ciety— conduct  its  correspondence,  and, 
at  the  discretion  of  the  Board,  devote 
himself  exclusively  to  the  interests  of 
the  society.  He  shall  keep  a  record  of 
7 


^,  UNITED   BRETHREN 

all  tlie  life  members,  life  directors,  leg- 
acies, etc.,  etc.  He  shall  also  make 
out,  and  publish  under  the  direction  of 
the  Bocird,  an  annual  report  of  the 
whole  missionary  work  ;  also  a  quad- 
rennial report  to  the  general  confer- 
ence. His  salary  shall  be  determined  by 
the  Board,  according  to  the  discipline* 

VI.  The  treasurer  shall  hold  the 
funds  of  the  society  subject  to  the  order 
of  the  Board. 

YII.  The  Board  of  Directors  shall 
hold  annual  meetings,  and  shall  have 
authority  to  make  by-laws  to  regulate 
its  own  proceedings — to  appropriate 
money  to  defray  incidental  expenses — 
to  employ  missionaries  and  agents — to 
open  new  fields,  and  to  publish  at  our 
own  press  such  matter  as  the  necessities 
of  the  cause  may  demand. 

VIII.  Each  missionary  in  the  employ 
of  the  Board  shall  report  quarterly  to 
the  secretary  the  condition  of  his  mis* 


DISCirLINE.  99 

aion  ;  and  no  missionary  shall  be  en- 
titled to  his  salary  who  shall  neglect  to 
comply  with  this  requirement. 

IX.  Each  conference  shall  be  con- 
sidered a  branch  of  this  society,  and 
shall  elect  a  treasurer  and  secretary. 
1.  The  branch  treasurer  shall  hold  the 
funds  designed  for  the  Board  subject  to 
its  order.  2.  The  branch  secretary 
shall  keep  a  record  of  the  proceedings 
of  the  annual  conference  in  relation  to 
home,  frontier,  and  foreign  missions, 
separately,  and  report  the  same  within 
one  month  after  the  session  of  the  con- 
ference to  the  secretary  of  the  Board. 
He  shall  also  record  the  names  of  life- 
members  and  life-directors,  and  trans- 
mit them  to  the  secretary  of  the  parent 
Board. 

The  branch  secretaries  shall  be  re- 
sponsible to  their  respective  annual 
conferences  fcr  the  faithful  discharge 
of  their  duties. 


100  UNITED    BRETHREN 

X.  The  branch  societies,  or  indi- 
vidual members,  may  specify  to  what 
particular  portion  of  the  work  their 
funds  shall  be  applied;  provided,  how- 
ever, that  if  more  is  thus  designated 
than  is  necessary  for  the  work  specified, 
it  may  be  applied  to  some  other  work 
as  the  Board  shall  determine. 

XI.  Each  branch  society  shall  have 
the  exclusive  management  of  the  home 
missions  within  its  own  limits. 

XII.  Treasurers  of  the  parent  Board 
and  of  the  branch  societies,  shall  give 
approved  security. 

XIII.  All  bequests  or  donations,  the 
interest  of  which  is  to  go  to  missionary 
purposes,  made  to  any  of  the  above  so- 
cieties, shall  be  kept  sacred. 

Form  of  Bequest:  I  give  and  be- 
queath to  the  Home,  Frontier,  and  For- 
eign Missionary  Society  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,  organized  by  the 
general  conference  of  said  church,  May 


DISCIPLINE.  101 

20,  1853,  and  incorporated  in  Butler 
county,  Ohio,  September  23,  1854,  the 

sum  of dollars,  and  the  receipt  of 

the  treasurer  of  the  society  shall  be  a 
sufficient  discharge  thereof  to  my  exec- 
utors and  administrators.  1 

SECTION    XXXIII. 

RULES  AND  REGULATIONS  OF  OUR 
PRINTING  ESTABLISHMENT,  IN 
DAYTON,  OHIO. 

Rule  Ist.  The  above  establishment 
shall  be  called  the  "Printing  Establish- 
ment of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ." 

Rule  2d.  The  legislative  authority 
herein  granted  shall  be  vested  in  the 
general  conference  of  said  church, 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  elect  the 
necessary  officers  not  otherwise  pro- 
vided for,  and  make  or  amend  any  rules 
as  in  their  judgment  may  seem  expe- 
dient. 


102  UNITED    BRETHREN 

Rule  3d.  The  proceeds  of  said  estab- 
lishment, over  and  above  contingent 
expenses,  shall  be  applied  to  the  benefit 
of  traveling,  and  worn-out  preachers, 
and  their  widows  and  orphans.  This 
division  to  occur  equally,  and  annually, 
among  the  different  annual  conferences. 

Kule  4th.  A  Board  of  five  Trustees, 
elected  by  the  general  conference,  shall 
take  the  oversight  of  the  establishment. 

Hule  5th.  Should  a  vacancy  occur  in 
the  editorial  or  agency  department,  in 
such  case  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
Trustees  to  employ  some  other  suitable 
person,  or  persons,  to  fill  said  vacancy 
until  the  sitting  of  the  next  general 
conference. 

Rule  6th.  In  case  a  vacancy  should 
occur  in  the  Board  of  Trustees,  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  trustees  to  fill  such 
vacancy  until  the  then  ensuing  general 
conference. 

Rule  7th.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 


DISCIPLINE.  103 

trustees  to  make  settlement  with  the 
agent,  or  agents,  treasurer,  and  editors, 
every  six  months,  and  cause  the  agent, 
or  agents,  to  make  and  publish  :*  report 
annually,  through  the  columns  of  the 
Religious  Telescope  and  Joyful  Mes- 
senger, and  also  make  a  special  report 
to  the  general  conference. 

Rule  8th,  The  editors  shall  strictly 
perform  all  the  duties  devolving  upon 
them,  Ruch  as  making  selectioiiij  and 
examining  manuscript  dej^igned  for 
publication,  writing  editoi-ial,  reading 
proof,  etc. 

Rule  9th.  The  trustees  ishall  have 
the  general  oversight  of  the  editors  and 
agents,  and  see  that  they  do  their  duties, 
and  if  they  do  not,  they  may  suspend 
them  until  the  sitting  of  the  next,  or 
the  then  ensuing  general  conference, 
which  will  give  final  decision.  In  all 
cases  the  ofi&cers  complained  of  shall 
be  furnished  with  a  copy  of  the  com- 


104  UNITED    BRETHREN 

plaints  in  writing,  and  shall  have  an 
opportunity  of  being  heard  in  explana- 
tion or  defense  before  the  Board. 

Rule  10th.  The  trustees,  as  book 
committee,  are  authorized  to  examine, 
purchase,  and  publish  or  republish 
books,  pamphlets,  and  tracts. 

Rule  11th.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of 
the  agents  to  take  charge  of  the  tem- 
poral concerns  of  the  office,  to  keep  all 
thi  books  pertaining  thereunto,  to  fur- 
nish, at  the  discretion  of  the  trustecF, 
such  material  as  may  be  needed,  and  to 
a -t  as  the'  general  book  agents,  under 
the  direction  of  the  trustees. 

Rule  12th.  The  trustees  shall  have 
the  jTivilege  of  making  any  By-laws 
which  may  s.eai  expedient  to  them,  for 
the  better  regulation  of  the  minor  con- 
L'crn.s  of  the  office,  provided  they  do 
nut  violate  any  part  of  the  foregoing 
iules. 

Rule  13th.  No  asrent  or  editor  shall 


DISCIPLINE.  105 

accept  any  office,  or  engage  in  any  busi- 
ness which  will  interfere  with  the  duties 
of  his  office. 

SECTION    XXXIV. 
GENERAL  BENEVOLENT  FUND. 

Whereas  the  Printing  Establishment 
of  our  church  is  now  laboring  under  a 
heavy  indebtedness  by  which  its  pro- 
ceeds are  consumed  in  the  payment  of 
interest  accruing  from  said  debt :  and 
as  our  di;^cipline  provides  that  the  pro- 
ceeds of  said  establishment,  above  con- 
tingent expenses,  shall  be  applied  to 
benevolent  purposes,  therefore 

llesolved,  by  the  general  conference, 
that  a  fund  be  created  to  be  called  the 
"  General  Benevolent  Fund,"  in 
the  manner,  and  for  the  purpose  follow- 
ing, to  wit  : 

I.  That  the  sum  of  thirty  thousand 
dolhirs  be  raised,  as  early  as  practica- 


106  UNITED   BRETHREN 

ble,  by  our  annual  conferences,  which 
amount  shall  be  loaned  to  the  Printin": 
Establishment  at  Dayton,  0. 

II.  The  superintendents  of  our  church 
shall  make  out  and  publish,  through 
our  church  organ,  an  apportionment  of 
the  established  amount  which  each  con- 
ference should  furnish,  to  raise  the 
desired  sum ;  and  they  shall,  at  the 
ensuing  sessions  of  their  respective 
conferences,  present  this  subject  to 
them,  with  the  request  to  take  imme- 
diate measures  to  secure  the  amount 
apportioned  them. 

III.  All  moneys  thus  collected  shall 
be  forwarded  to  the  agents  of  our  Print- 
ing Establishment,  who  shall  keep  an 
account  of  the  amount  thus  received 
from  each  annual  conference,  and  shall 
give  the  notes  of  the  Printing  Estab- 
lishment to  the  treasurers  of  the  annual 
conferences,  with  six  per  cent,  interest, 
annually,  to  be  paid  to  the  conference 


DISCIPLINE.  107 

from  which  such  amount  was  received, 
to  be  appropriated  to  the  support  of 
worn  out  preachers  and  their  widows, 
or  otherwise  as  such  annual  conference 
may  direct. 

IV.  This  fund  shall  be  at  the  disposal 
of  the  general  conference  of  the  church 
of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  and 
shall  be  loaned  to  the  Printing  Estab- 
lishment, so  long  as  the  whole,  or  a 
part  thereof  may  be  needed.  If  at  any 
time  the  general  conference  directs  this 
fund  into  another  channel,  then  it  shall 
be  secured  by  mortgage  on  real  estate. 

y.  The  above  fund  may,  at  any  time, 
be  increased  by  bequests  and  donations. 

Westerville,  0.,  May  1861. 

SECTION    XXXV. 
MARRIAGE  CEREMONY. 

ADDRESS. 

We  are  gathered  together  in  the  sight 
of  God,  and  in  the   presence   of  thesa 


108  UNITED    BRETHREN 

witnesses,  to  join  together  N.  and  M. 
as  husband  and  wife.  If  any  person 
present  knows  any  just  cause  or  imped- 
iment why  these  persons  should  not  be 
joined  in  marriage,  let  the  same  now 
speak,  or  for  ever  after  keep  silent. 

[[f  no  impediment  be  alleged,  then 
shall  the  minister  say  unto  the  man  :] 

"  N.,  wilt  thou  have  this  woman  to 
be  thy  wedded  wife,  to  live  together 
after  God's  ordinance?  Wilt  thou  love, 
honor,  and  comfort  her,  in  sickness  and 
in  health,  in  prosperity  and  adversity, 
and  forsaking  all  others,  keep  thee  only 
unto  her  so  long  as  ye  both  shall  live? 
If  so,  then  answer,  'I  will.'  " 

[Then  shall  the  minister  say  to  the 
woman  :] 

"  M.,  wilt  thou  have  this  man  to  be 
thy  wedded  husband,  to  live  together 
after  God's  ordinance  ?  Wilt  thou  love, 
honor,  and  obey  him,  in  sickness  and 
in  health,  in   prosperity  and  adversity, 


DISCirLINE.  109 

and  forsaking  all  others,  keep  thee 
only  unto  him  so  long  as  ye  both 
shall  live  ?  If  so,  then  answer,  '  I 
will.'  " 

[Then  the  minister  shall  require  them 
to  join  their  right  hands,  and  say :] 

Those  whom  God  hath  joined  to- 
gether, let  no  man  put  asunder. 

Inasmuch  as  N.  and  M.  have  con- 
sented together  in  marriage,  and  have 
witnessed  the  same  before  God  and 
these  witnesses,  I  pronounce  them  hus- 
band and  wife,  in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Amen. 

Ques.  Who  of  our  ministers  are  per- 
mitted to  solemnize  marriage? 

Ans.  All  ordained  ministers,  and  also 
those  that  have  obtained  license  from 
an  annual  conference^  where  the  law  of 
the  state  makes  it  the  privilege  of  every 
regularly  licensed  minister  to  solemnize 
marriage:    but  none  are  permitted  to 


110  UNITED    BRETHREN 

solemnize  marriage  with  quarterly  con- 
ference license. 


SECTION    XXXYI. 

COURSE  OF  READIXG  AND  STUDY 

For  licentiate  preachers,  upon  which 
they  shall  be  examined  by  the  several 
annual  conferences  to  which  they  be- 
long ;  they  shall  be  examined,  also, 
each  year  of  their  probation,  on  the 
doctrine  and  government  of  the  church, 
as  taught  in  our  book  of  discipline. 

FIRST   YEAR BIBLE    DOCTRINE. 

Human  Depravity;  the  Atonement; 
Redemption;  Repentance;  Justification 
by  Faith;  Regeneration;  Adoption; 
the  Witness  of  the  Spirit;  Christian 
Perfection;  Possibility  of  final  Apos- 
tasy. 

Books. — Bible;  Clarke's  Theology; 
Fletcher's  Appeal  j  Philosopliy  of  th« 


DISCIPLINE.  Ill 

Plan  of  Salvation;  Upham's  Life  of 
Faith ;  Bullion's,  or  some  other  approved 
Grammar;  Mitchel's,  or  some  other  ap- 
proved Geography— =*an  Essay. 

SECOND    TEAR— BIBLE    DOCTRINE. 

Existence  and  Attributes  of  God  ; 
Trinity;  Divinity  and  Humanity  of 
Christ;  Personality  and  Deity  of  the 
Holy  Ghost :  Immortality  of  the  Soul; 
Resurrection  of  the  Body  ;  Future  Gen- 
eral Judgment;  Eternal  Rewards  and 
Punishments. 

Books. — Bible;  Watson's  Inetitutes, 
or  Lee's  Theology  ;  Butler's  Analogy; 
Upham's  Interior  Life;  Dick's  Future 
State;  Luther  Lee  on  the  Immortality 
of  the  Soul;  Ruter's  Gregory;  English 
Grammar  continued — an  Essay. 

THIEO    TEAR — BIBLE    INSTITUTIONS. 

The  Christiaii  Sabbath;  the  Lord's 
Supper;  Christian  Ba^'tism. 


112  UNITED    BRETHREN 

Books — Watson's  Institutes,  or  Lee's 
Thelogy  continued  ;  Lowel  Lectures  ; 
Upham's  Divine  Union  ;  History  of  the 
United  Brethren  in  Christ ;  Mosheim's 
Church  History  ;  Josephus'  Antiquities 
of  the  Jews  ;  Tytler's  General  History  ; 
Coleman's  Geographical  History  of  the 
Bible — an  Essay. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  the  student 
is  earnestly  advised  to  read  as  many  of 
the  following  works  as  possible,  upon 
which,  however,  he  shall  not  be  ex- 
amined : 

Powell  on  Apostolical  Succession  ; 
Fletcher's  Checks  ;  Wesley's  Sermons  ; 
Prideaux's  Connections ;  Hunter's  Sa- 
cred Biography;  Upham's  Mental  Phi- 
losophy; Wayland's  Moral  Science; 
Dymond's  Essay  on  Morality ;  Parker's 
Logic;  Whately's  Rhetoric;  Comstock's 
Natural  Philosophy;  Clarke's  Mental 
Discipline. 


DISCIPLINE.  113 

GERMAN  COURSE  OF  READING. 

FIRST   Y£AE. 

Bible;  Discipline;  Fletcher's  Ap- 
peal ;  Buechner's  Concordance  ;  Nelson 
on  Infidelity  ;  Plain  Thoughts  on  Secret 
Societies;  Hare  on  Justification;  Heyse's 
Grammar — a  written  Essay. 

SECOND    YEAR. 

Bible  Doctrine;  Discipline  and  Gram- 
mar continued;  Buck's  Theological  Dic- 
tionary;D'x\ubigne  on  the  Reformation; 
Zeller  on  the  Soul ;  Josephus ;  Walter's 
History  of  the  World;  Philosophy  of 
the  Plan  of  Salvation — written  Essay. 

THIRD   YEAR. 

Bible  Doctrine;  Discipline  and  Gram- 
mar continued  ;  Evidences  of  Christian- 
ity; Kurtz's  Sacred  History;  Hufi'man's 
Bible  Dictionary ;  Lisco's  Apostolic 
Creed — written  Essay. 

The  following  works  to  be  read  : 
Wurst's  Practical  Grammar ;  Arnold's 
8 


114  UNITED   BRETHREN 

First  Love  ;  Bengel's  Gnomen  ;  a  Com- 
mentary ;  Calvert's  History  of  the 
Church;  Erdman's  First  Christian 
Church  J  Gossner  on  the  New  Testa- 
ment. 

SECTION    XXXYII. 

CHARTERS. 

Whereas  the  laws  of  certain  states 
require  churches  and  institutions  to  be 
incorporated,  in  order  to  be  recognized 
by  law  ; 

Therefore,  in  such  cases,  the  quar- 
terly conference  of  the  respective  cir- 
cuits, stations,  and  missions,  shall  ap- 
point a  competent  committee,  consisting 
of  three,  who  shall  apply  to  the  proper 
source  for  an  act  of  incorporation  on  all 
the  church  property  within  the  bounds 
of  such  circuits,  stations,  or  missions, 
and  at  the  last  quarterly  conference  of 
each  year,  the  presiding  elder  shall  ex- 


DISCIPLINE.  115 

.mine  said   committee   in   reference  to 
the  above  subject. 

2.  When  legacies  are  bequeathed  to 
the  church,  the  names  of  the  presiding 
bishops  should  be  inserted  in  the  will 
of  the  testator,  to  be  under  the  control 
of  said  bishops  and  their  successors  in 
office,  to  be  appropriated  to  the  purpose 
specified  by  the  donors. 

SECTION   XXXVIII. 

CERTIFICATES. 

"When  members  of  our  society  move 
from  one  place  or  class  to  another,  they 
shall  obtain  a  certificate,  by  the  vote  of 
a  majority  of  the  class  to  which  they 
belong,  signed  by  a  preacher,  or  leader; 
except  where  they  are  not  in  reach  of 
a  class,  in  which  case  any  of  our  preach- 
ers may  give  a  certificate  to  such  per- 
sons, if  they  are  known  to  be  in  good 
standing. 


116  UNITED    BRETHREN 

FORM  OF  CERTIFICATE. 

This  is  to  certify  that  A.  B.  is  a  mem- 
ber of  good  standing  in  the  Church  of 
the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  at 

[Dates,  etc.] 

FORM    OF    TRA>*SFER. 

This  is  to  certify  that is  a  reg- 

ulaf-  — -^ of in  the  Church 

of  the  United  Brethren   in    Christ,  of 

"     Annual    Conference,    and    is 

hereby  transferred  to  — —  Annual 

Conference  of  said  Church. 

SECTION   XXXIX. 

BOUNDARIES  OF   CONFERENCES. 

Virginia  Conference. — Beginning  at 
the  south-east  corner  of  the  state  of 
Virginia;  thence  along  the  western  shore 
of  the  Chesapeake  Bay  to  Baltimore; 
thence  to  Westminster;  thence  to  the 
summit  of  the  South  Mountain  on  the 
state  line  between  Maryland  and  Penn- 


DISCIPLINE.  117 

sylvania;  thence  west  on  said  line  to  the 
summit  of  the  Alleghany  Mountain ; 
thence  south,  along  the  summit  of  said 
mountain,  to  the  state  line  between 
Virginia  and  North  Carolina;  thence 
east  on  said  line  to  the  place  of  begin- 
ning. 

East  Pennsylvania  Conference. — Be- 
ginning at  the  point  where  the  line  be- 
tween PennsylvaniaandMaryland  cross- 
es theSusquehannah  river;  thence  north 
along  said  river  to  Nieman's  School- 
house  in  Perry  Co.,  Pa. ;  thence  to  Rich- 
field ;  thence  to  Black-Oak  Eidge ; 
thence  to  Oldford  in  Centre  Co.,  Penn's 
Valley;  thence  to  Lockhavcn  ;  thence 
in  a  northerly  direction  to  the  line  be- 
tween Pennsylvania  and  New  York, 
embracing  all  that  part  of  the  state  of 
Pennsylvania  east  of  the  above  line. 

Pcwnsyhania  Conference. — Beginning 
on  the  summit  of  the  South  Mountain 
on    the    line   between    Maryland    and 


118  UNITED    BRETHREN 

Pennsylvania ;  thence  to  Westminster, 
Md., ;  thence  to  Baltimore,  including 
that  city  ;  thence  along  the  Chesapeake 
bay  and  Susquehannah  river  to  th-e 
mouth  of  the  Juniata  river;  thence  up 
said  river  to  its  source ;  thence  south, 
so  as  not  to  interfere  with  any  territory 
occupied  by  the  Alleghany  conference, 
to  the  line  between  Maryland  and  Penn- 
sylvania ;  thence  east  to  the  place  of 
beginning. 

Alleghany  Conference. — Beginning  at 
the  south-west  corner  of  Mercer  Co., 
Pa.;  thence  east  to  a  point  due  south 
of  the  south-east  corner  of  Cattaraugus 
Co.,  N.  y.;  thence  north  to  th§  line  be- 
tween Pennsylvania  and  Xew  York  ; 
thence  east  to  the  line  of  the  East 
Pennsylvania  conference;  thence  along 
the  line  of  said  conference  to  the  mouth 
of  the  Juniata  river ;  thence  up  said 
river  to  its  source;  thence  along  the 
line  of  the  Pennsylvania  conference  to 


DISCIPLINE.  119 

the  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania  state 
line,  embracing  all  that  part  of  the  state 
of  Pennsylvania  south  and  west  of  the 
above  described  lines. 

Erie  Conference. — Beginning  on  the 
shore  of  Lake  Erie  on  the  west  side  of 
Erie  city ;  thence  along  the  old  Pike  to 
Meadville ;  thence  down  French  creek 
to  the  Alleghany  river;  thence  dowH 
said  river  to  the  line  of  th-e  Alleghany 
conference ;  embracing  all  that  part  of 
Pennsylvania  east  of  the  above  line 
(not  included  in  the  Alleghany  eoufer- 
ence),  and  the  state  of  New  York. 

Western  Reserve  Conference. — Begin- 
ning on  the  lake  shore  on  the  west  side 
of  Erie  city;  thence  along  the  west  line 
of  the  Erie  conference  to  Lawrenceburg, 
on  the  Alleghany  river;  thence  west  to 
the  Ohio  state  line  at  the  south-west 
corner  of  Mercer  Co.,  Pa. ;  thence  along 
the  state  line  south,  to  the  Pennsylva- 
nia and  Ohio  Kail-road  ;   thencu  west 


120  UNITED   BRETHREN 

with  said  rail-road  to  the  west  line  of 
Ashland  Co.,  Ohio  ;  thence  north  to  the 
mouth  of  Vermillion  river ;  thence  east 
along  the  shore  of  Lake  Erie  to  the 
place  of  beginning. 

Muskingum  Conference. — Beginning 
at  a  point  where  the  Pennsylvania  and 
Ohio  Rail-road  crosses  the  line  between 
Pennsylvania  and  Ohio;  thence  west  on 
the  line  of  said  rail-road  to  the  west  line 
of  Ashland  Co.,  0. ;  thence  south  to  the 
north  line  of  Knox  Co.;  the.nce  west  to 
the  north-west  corner  of  said  county  ; 
thence  south  to  the  south-west  corner 
of  Knox  Co.  ;  thence  east  along  the 
lines  of  Knox  and  Coshocton  counties, 
to  Dresden;  thence  down  the  JMuskin- 
gum  river  to  its  mouth ;  thence  up  the 
Ohio  river  and  Ohio  state  line  to  the 
place  of  beginning. 

Scioto     Conference.  —  Beginning    at 

Dresden    on    the    Muskingum    river ; 

\      thence  west  on  the  south  lines   of  Co- 


DISCIPLINE.  121 

glioeton  and  Knox  counties  to  the  south- 
west corner  of  Knox  Co. ;  thence  to  the 
north-west  corner  of  Trenton  township, 
Delaware  Co.  ;  thence  to  the  south-east 
corner  of  Genoa  township,  of  the  same 
county  ;  thence  west  on  the  Delaware 
county  line  to  the  Whetstone  river ; 
thence  to  the  north-west  corner  of  Mad- 
ison county  ;  thence  south,  embracing 
Fayette,  Highland,  and  a  part  of  Brown 
county,  to  Ripley,  on  the  Ohio  river; 
thence  up  said  river  to  the  mouth  of 
Muskiogum  river  ;  thence  up  said  river 
to  Dresden,  the  place  of  beginning. 

Sandushi/  Conference. — Beginning  at 
the  mouth  of  the  Vermillion  river  on 
Lake  Erie  ;  thence  on  an  air-line  south, 
to  the  south-west  corner  of  Ashland 
county  ;  thence  with  the  north  and  west 
lines  of  Knox  county,  to  the  south- 
west corner  of  said  county  ;  thence  to 
the  north-west  corner  of  Trenton  town- 
ship, Delaware  county  ;  thence  to  the 


122  UNITED   BRETHREN 

Bouth-east  corner  of  Genoa  township, 
of  tlie  same  county ;  thence  west  on  the 
Scioto  conference  line,  embracing  Pleas- 
ant Valley,  in  Madison  Co.;  thence  along 
the  east  and  north  lines  of  Union  Co., 
to  the  north-west  corner  of  said  coun- 
ty ;  thence  to  Kenton  ;  thence  with  the 
Sandusky,  Dayton  and  Cincinnati  Rail- 
road to  Forrest ;  thence  west  on  the 
Pittsburg  and  Ft.  Wayne  Piail-road  to 
Johnstown  ;  thence  to  Cairo  ;  thence  to 
Kalida;  thence  to  Defiance ;  thence 
down  the  Maumee  river  and  the  south- 
ern shore  of  Lake  Erie  to  the  place  of 
beginning. 

Auglaize  Conference. — Beginning  on 
the  Ohio  and  Indiana  state  line  at  the 
so-uth-east  corner  of  Jay  Co.,  Indiana  ; 
thence  west  to  the  south-west  corner  of 
said  county  ;  thence  north  on  the  west 
line  of  Jay  Co.,  to  the  north-west  corner 
of  said  county  ;  thence  along  the  south 
and  west  lines  of  Wells   county,   In- 


DISCIPLINE.  123 

diana,  to  the  Wabash  river ;  thence 
down  said  river  to  Huntington  ;  thence 
vilth.  the  Wabash  Valley  road  to  Ft. 
Wayne ;  thence  down  the  Maumee  riv- 
er to  Defiance  ;  thence  along  the  San- 
dusky conference  line  as  described 
above,  including  Johnstown,  North 
Washington,  and  Dunkirk,  to  a  point  ou 
the  west  line  of  Madison  Co.,  Ohio,  due 
east  of  Urban-a,  Ohio  ;  thence  to  Ur- 
bana  ;  thence  to  Piqua,  Ohio,  including 
that  city;  thence  to  Greenville,  Ohio; 
thence  due  west  to  the  line  between 
Ohio  and  Indiana  ;  thence  north  to  the 
place  of  beginning. 

31  ia n I i  Conference .  —  Beginning  at 
the  mouth  of  tho  Great  Miami  river; 
thence  north  on  the  line  between  Ohio 
and  Indiana,  to  a  point  due  west  of 
Greenville,  Ohio ;  thence  east  with  the 
Auglaize  conference  line,  including 
Greenville  and  Urbana,  to  a  point  on 
the  Madison  county   line,  due   east  of 


124  UNITED    BRETHREN 

Urbana ;  thence  south  on  the  east  lines 
of  the  counties  of  Clark,  Green,  Clin- 
ton, and  a  part  of  Brown  county,  to 
Ripley  ;  thence  down  the  Ohio  river  to 
the  place  of  beginning. 

Michigan  Conference. — Beginning  at 
the  mouth  of  the  Maumee  river;  thence 
up  said  river  to  Ft.  Wayne  j  thence  on 
the  Ft.  Wayne  and  Chicago  Rail-road 
to  Columbia,  Whitely  county  ;  thence 
due  north  to  the  line  of  Noble  county  ; 
thence  east  to  the  south-east  corner  of 
said  county ;  thence  north  on  the  east 
line  of  Noble  and  Lagrange  counties, 
to  the  Michigan  state  line  ;  thence  west 
on  said  line  to  White  Pigeon  ;  thence 
in  a  north-westerly  direction  to  Lake 
Michigan  \  thence  north  to  the  inter- 
section of  the  Base  Line  with  said 
Lake  ;  thence  east  on  the  Base-line  to 
Lake  St.  Clair ;  thence  down  the  shore 
of  said  lake,  the  Detroit  river  and  the 


DISCIPLINE.  125 

western    shore    of    Lake    Erie,   to  the 
place  of  beginning. 

Kortli  Michigan  Conference — Em- 
braces all  that  part  of  the  state  of  Mich- 
igan lying  north  of  the  Base-line. 

S(,    Joseph  Conference.  —  Begi n  n i ng 
at   3Iiamisport,   Ind.,   on   the  Wabash 
river;  thence  up  said  river  to  Hunting- 
ton; thence  by  the  Auglaize  conference 
line  to  Ft.  Wayne;  thence  by  the  3Iich- 
igan  conference  line,  as  before  described, 
to  Lake  Michigan  ;   thence  along    the 
shore   of  said  lake  to  the  intersection 
with  it  of  the  line  between  Indiana  ancf 
Illinois  ;    thence   south   to    Bear  lake; 
thence  in  a  south-easterly  direction  to 
the  mouth  of  Big  Monon  creek  ;  thence 
down  the  Tippecanoe  river  to  its  junc- 
tion   with    the  Wabash  river ;    thenoe 
down   the    Wabash    to    Davis'    Ferry ; 
thence  along  the  Logansport   road  to 
Lafayette ;    thence   on   the   Strawtown 
road  to  Jefferson,  which  is  included  in 


126  UNITED   BRETHREN 

the  St.  Joseph  conference;    thence  to 
Miamisport,  the  place  of  beginning. 

White  River  Covfcrence. — Beginning 
at  and  including  Indianapolis;  thence 
north  with  the  Michigan  road  to  Kirk- 
land  ;  thence  east  to  the  rail-road ; 
thence  north  to  Big  Deer  Creek  ;  thence 
a  north-easterly  direction  to  Wabash- 
town  ;  thence  up  the  Wabash  river  to 
Huntington ;  thence  up  said  river  to 
the  Wells  county  line  ;  thence  with  the 
west  and  south  lines  of  Wells  and  Jay 
counties,  to  the  south-eastern  corner  of 
Jay  Co.,  on  the  Ohio  state  line  ;  thence 
south  on  the  Ohio  and  Indiana  line  to 
the  south-east  corner  of  Franklin  coun- 
ty, Ind.  ;  thence  to  Greensburg  ;  thence 
to  Columbus;  thence  to  Franklin; 
thence  west  to  White  river;  thence  up 
said  river  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

Indiana  Conference. — Beginning  at 
the  south-cast  corner  of  Franklin  coun- 
ty, Ind.;  thence   along  the  line  of  the 


DISCIPLINE.  127 

White  riv«r  conference,  as  described  in 
the  boundaries  of  that  conference,  to 
the  White  river  due  west  of  Frank- 
lin Indiana ;  thence  down  said  river 
and  the  Wabash,  to  the  Ohio  river ; 
thence  up  said  river  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Great  Miami  river ;  thence  up  the  state 
line  between  Ohio  and  Indiana  to  the 
place  of  beginning. 

Parhcrsburg  Conference. — Beginning 
on  the  summit  of  the  Alleghany  Mount- 
ain, at  the  line  between  Pennsylvania 
and  Virginia  ;  thence  along  the  summit 
of  said  mountain  south-west  to  the  line 
between  Virginia  and  North  Carolina  } 
thence  west  on  said  line  to  the  south- 
west corner  of  the  state  of  Virginia ; 
thence  with  the  Virginia  and  Kentucky 
line  north  to  the  Ohio  river  ;  thence 
with  said  river  to  the  Pennsylvania 
state  line  ;  thence  east  on  said  line  to 
the  place  of  beginning. 

Lower    Wahash  Conference. — Begin* 


128  UNITED   BRETHREN 

ning  at  Gosport,  on  White  river;  thence 
with  the  rail-road  to  Greencastle ; 
thence  with  the  Indianapolis  and  Terre 
Haute  Kail-road  to  the  Wabash  river ; 
thence  up  said  river  to  the  mouth  of 
Brulett's  Creek  ;  thence  up  said  creek 
to  Cherry  Point;  thence  west  on  the 
Air-line  Rail-road  to  the  Illinois  con- 
ference line ;  thence  to  Shelbyville, 
111. ;  thence  down  the  Okaw  river  to 
Yandalia  ;  thence  south  with  the  Illi- 
nois Central  Rail-road,  to  its  junction 
with  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi  Rail-road; 
thence  direct  to  Carmi;  thence  down 
the  Little  Wabash  river  to  its  mouth ; 
thence  up  the  Wabash  .and  White  riv- 
ers to  the  place  of  beginning. 

Upper  Wabash  Conference. — Begin- 
ning at  Gosport,  on  White  river;  thence 
up  said  river  to  Indianapolis ;  thence 
with  the  Michigan  road  to  Kirkland ; 
thence  direct  to  Lafayette;  thence 
along  the  Logansport   rojid   to  Davis' 


DISCirLINE.  -^  129 

Ferry  ;  thence  up  the  Wabash  river  to 
the  mouth  of  Tippecanoe  river;  thence 
up  said  river  to  the  mouth  of  Big  Mo- 
non  creek;  thence  in  a  north-westerlv 
direction  to  Bear  lake  ;  thence  to  Kan- 
kakee city  ;  thence  south  along  the  Chi- 
cago Branch  of  the  Illinois  Central 
Rail-road  to  Urbana,  III.  ;  thence  to 
Cherry  Point;  thence  with  the  Lower 
Wabash  conference  line,  as  described 
above,  to  Gosport,  the  place  of  begin- 
ning. 

Souf.hera  lUinois  Conference. — Em- 
bracing all  that  part  of  the  state  of  Illi- 
nois lying  south  of  the  following  line, 
viz. :  beginning  at  Alton,  on  the  Mis- 
sissippi river;  thence  direct  to  Vandalia, 
111.  ;  thence  south  to  the  intersection 
of  the  Illinois  Central,  and  Ohio  and 
Mississippi  Bail-roads  ;  thence  on  a 
straight  line  to  Carmi  ;  thence  down 
the  Little  Wabash  river  to  its  junctior 
with  the  Wabash  river. 
9 


130  UNITED    BRET-IIREN 

Illinois,  Coufcrrnce.  —  Beirinninc:  at 
the  junction  of  the  3Iis.si<sippi  and 
Rock  rivers;  thence  up  the  Litter 
stream,  to  the  crossing  of  the  Rock  Is- 
hinvi  and  Peru  Rail-road  ;  thence  east 
with  said  rail -road  to  Peru  ;  thence  up 
the  Illinois  river  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Kankakee  river  ;  thence  to  Kankakee 
city  ;  thence  with  the  Chicairo  Branch 
of  the  Illinois  Central  Rail-road  to  Ur- 
hana  ;  thence  direct  to  8hclbyville  ; 
thence  down  the  Okaw  river  to  Van- 
dalia ;  thence  direct  to  Alton;  thence 
up  the  Mississippi  river  to  the  place  of 
beginning. 

Ii.ock  Rivrr  Conference. — Beginning, 
at  the  junction  of  the  ^Mississippi  andi 
Rock  rivers;  thence  east  with  Illinois 
conference  line,  as  above  described,  to 
Kankakee  city,  111.;  thence  to  the  state 
line  between  Illinois  and  Indiana  ; 
thence  north  on  said  line  to  Lake 
Michigan  ;  thence  along  the  shore  of 


DISCIPJ.INF. 


]:a 


si(id  lake,  iKirtli,  to  tho  liiift  botwocii 
liliuoi'^  uiui  Wisconsin;  tliencowe?t  with 
said  line  to  31i.<sissippi  river;  thcnCM" 
down  said  river  to  the  jdace  of  bf;iiu- 
niiiLi-. 

\\'ii><'Oji>iiu  Coiiftr'nict. —  Begin iiinLT  at 
Milwaukio.  Wis.  ;  tben-'e  south  to  tlie 
JUiuoirf  state  line;  thence  west  on  the 
line  betwee.n  Illinois  and  \\'iscoiiiiu  to 
ihe  !Mississi}»pi  river;  thenee  up  said 
river  and  the  "Wisconsin  state  line  to 
Jjake  Superior  ;  thence  with  the  shore 
of  said  lake  and  tlie  Miidiiuan  ami 
Wisconsin  state  line  to  the  Wisconsin 
river;  tlienee  down  said  river  to  Port- 
age city  ;  thence  alonti  tiie  Watertown 
and  J'ortaue  city  llail-road  to  \\  atei- 
town  ;  thence  along  the  Milwaukie  aud 
Watertown  Kail-road  to  the  place  of 
beginning. 

Fitx  Uice,r  (.'ovferoice. —  Beginning  at 
Miiwaukie,  Wis.,  thence  by  the  rail- 
road  lines  to  Watertown   and    Portage* 


132  UNITED    BRETHREN 

city  ;  tlienco  up  tlie  Wisconsin  river  to 
the  Michigan  state  line;  thence  with 
the  state  lines  south-east  and  the  west- 
ern shore  of  Lake  Michigan  to  the 
place  ot*  beginning. 

Minnesota  Conference. — Bounded  by 
ihe  state  lines. 

Iowa  Conference. — Beginning  at  the 
junction  af  the  Mississippi  and  Iowa 
rivers  ;  thence  up  the  latter  river  to  its 
source;  thenc-c  north  to  the  line  be- 
tween Iowa  and  Minnesota  ;  thence 
•ast  on  said  line  to  the  Mississippi  riv- 
er ;  thence  down  said  river  to  the  place 
of  beginning. 

Ea^t  Ih'A  Moinrii  Conference. — Begin- 
ning at  tlie  mouth  of  the  Iowa  river  ; 
thence  up  said  river  to  the  east  line  of 
Marshall  county,  Iowa  ;  thence  south 
to  the  Mahaska  county  line ;  thence 
west  to  the  corner  of  said  count}'' ; 
thence  south  to  the  Des  Moines  river ; 
thence  up  said  river   to  White  Breast 


DiscirLiXB.  133 

creek ;  thence  up  said  creek  to  the  west 
line  of  Marion  county;  thence  south  to 
the  corner  of  said  county;  thence  south- 
west to  the  AVayne  county  line,  six 
miles  east  of  the  north-west  corner  of 
said  county;  thence  south  twelve  miles  ; 
thence  west  six  miles  ;  thence  south  to 
the  [Missouri  state  line  ;  thence  east  on 
the  line  between  Iowa  and  Missouri  to 
the  Mississippi  river ;  thence  up  said 
river  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

West  Des  Moines  Conference. — Begin- 
ning at  the  Iowa  river  on  the  east  line 
of  Marshall  county,  Iowa  ;  thence  with 
the  East  Des  Moines  conference  line,  as 
before  described,  to  the  Missouri  state 
line  ;  thence  west  with  said  line  to  the 
[Missouri  river;  thence  up  said  river 
and  the  Sioux  river  to  the  Minnesota 
line;  thence  east  on  the  line  between 
Iowa  and  Minnesota,  to  a  point  duo 
north  of  the  source  of  the  Iowa  river  ; 
thence  south  to  the  source  of  said  riv- 


134  C.    E.    DISCIPLINE. 

er;  tlience  down  said  river  to  the  place 
of  beginning. 

Missouri  Conference.  —  Bounded  by 
the  state  Hues. 

Kjiuhhs  Coitfereace . — Bounded  by  the 
state  lines. 

Canada  Lhnfrrence. — Embraces  the 
whole  of  Upper  Canada. 

Jfass^:c/uisetls  Conference .■—J^QU.iidcd 
by  the  Massachusetts  state  lines. 

Oregon  Conference,  —  Includes  the 
Mate  of  Oregon  and  Washington  terri- 
tory. 

(Jalifornia  Conference. — Includes  the 
state  of  California. 

Ohio  German  Conference. —  Bounded 
by  the  state  lines  of  Ohio,  including 
Covington  and  Newport,  Ken  tuck}'. 

Indiana  German  Conference.  —  In- 
diana and  the  whole  north-west. 


V'i^kLfaL 


BX9878.52.A11861 

Origin,  doctrine,  constitution,  and 

Princeton  Theological  Semmary-Speer  Library 


1    1012  00045  6063 


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